Joseph Schnieders

Joseph A. Schnieders, 85, of Wardsville, passed away, Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 8, 1926, in Wardsville, the son of the late Arthur and Emma VanLoo Schnieders. On May 21, 1949, he was united in marriage to Susie Engelbrecht, who preceded him in death on January 20, 2012. Joe attended St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and School and was a member there all his life. He was employed with Ken Otke Construction, Lawrence Thoenen Construction and the International Shoe Factory. Joe loved to hunt and fish and passed that love of the great outdoors down to his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren, being very influential with teaching them to hunt and fish. He loved spending time on the Osage River where he trotlined. Many family gatherings took place at the family cabin where he loved to just sit and watch the boats go by. Joe enjoyed mushroom hunting and gardening, having a huge garden, enough to share with family and friends. He also loved picking up walnuts and pecans so that Susie could make cookies and pecan pies. Joe loved his sweets. He is survived by two daughters: Nancy K. Gratz and husband Bill of Wardsville, Brenda S. Roling and husband Fred of Wardsville; two sisters: Margie Rackers and Rose Shelton and husband Topper of Wardsville; one brother: Tom Schnieders and wife Joan of Wardsville; five grandchildren: Craig (Jayne) Gratz, Travis (Judy) Roling, Kim (Greg) Sandbothe, Troy (Mindy) Roling, Kristi Gratz; eight great-grandchildren: Tyler Gratz, Logan Gratz, Clayton Roling, Cole Sandbothe, Kaitlyn Sandbothe, Dawson Roling, Carson Roling, Kate Roling; three step great-grandchildren: Kaylee Merry, Alec Sieg, Olivia Sieg; and seven sisters-in-law: Leona Hoelscher, Freda Benne, Gertie Engelbrecht, Marie Loesch, Kate Engelbrecht, Dorothy Ehrhardt, Ruby Kautsch. He was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Mae Lage and a brother, Bernard Schnieders. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home with a prayer service to be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Fr. Greg Meystrik officiating. Interment will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Honey Creek Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Stanislaus Church or American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com