Roger J. Schneider, age 74, of Kiel, passed away Friday, August 12, 2011 at his home with his loving wife by his side, following a courageous and determined 13 month battle with Acute Myloid Leukemia.

He was born in Kiel on September 17, 1936, son of the late Joseph F. and Magdalena (Schaller) Schneider. Roger attended SS Peter and Paul Grade School and Kiel High School.

On April 27, 1957, he married Marlene Hoerth at Holy Rosary Church, New Holstein. Roger worked in Kiel for 21 years at C.J. Meiselwitz Furnishings/Funeral Home under the guidance of C.J., Henry and Chuck Meiselwitz. On June 2 of 1980 he and his wife fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened "Schneider's Haus of Furniture" in New Holstein. For over two decades they operated a very successful home furnishings and flooring store where, throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, "Quality and Service" is what they were known for.

Roger always found time to be active in his community. He was the basketball coach at Saint Peter and Paul School for over 10 years; a Little League Baseball Coach, presided as President of the Kiel Lions Club, the Kiel Optimist Club and Kiel Area Chamber of Commerce. He served Saint Peter and Paul Parish as a Eucharistic Minister/Altar Server and as a member of the Stewardship Committee.

He also served from 1956-1958 in the Wisconsin National Guard 32nd Infantry Division.

Family and friends were a driving force in Roger's life. He maintained high expectations and a big heart to match. His beloved wife, children and grandchildren were a source of true companionship, great pride and joy. All who encountered Roger were warmly welcomed into his family and large extended family. His smile and sense of humor were contagious. His compassion and willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed it was ever present. His long good byes on the phone or in person were legendary.

Roger had a profound love of plants and gardening. All appreciated the time and energy that went into creating the park like beauty of his back yard. The spring tulip show was amazing. When he wasn't busy in the yard, or attending events for his 12 grandchildren, he could be found on the golf course. Roger loved sports, especially golf. He traveled around the country with his golf buddies where they challenged themselves at some of the premier courses. However, Quit Qui Oc, in Elkhart Lake, held a soft spot. This was where he and his golf mates spent their days perfecting the art of the short putt and engaging themselves in laughter and long conversation at the 19th hole. He loved to encourage others in the game and taught several grandchildren the sport.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene, daughter Caryn and Mark Schleitwiler, Green Bay, and their daughters, Kate (Alan) Kruizenga and Tess; son Brian and Debbie Schneider, Dousman, and their sons, Jacob and Ben; daughter Lisa and Jeff Wettstein, DePere and their sons. Jordan, Zachary and Eli; daughter Vicki and Marco Molina, Cypress, Texas and their children, Grace, Roman and Cannon, and son Bradley and Jorja Schneider, DePere, and their children Evan & Madisyn. He is further survived by two sisters, Marie (Richard) Burkard of Green Bay, Betty (Don) Winkler of St. Anna, three sisters-in-law, Ann Schneider, Audrey Schneider and Geraldine Schneider-Mathes, two brothers-in-law, Ronald Hoerth and Marvin (Kathleen) Hoerth, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. In addition to his parents, Roger was also preceded in death by six brothers: Richard, Andrew, Robert, Walter, Lambert and Joseph and two sisters, Bernice Gruenke and Ann Klapperich.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2011 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 413 Fremont St. Kiel with Rev. Loren Nys S.D.S. & Joe Zenk, Parish Director officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.