Robert (Bob) J. Schneider Sr.

ROBERT (BOB) J. SCHNEIDER

Iowa City

Robert (Bob) J. Schneider Sr. of Iowa City, formerly of Riverside, Iowa, passed away Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. Bob was born Oct. 30, 1926, to Peter and Agnes (Streb) Schneider. He graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in Riverside and turned down a college scholarship in order to help his parents on the farm. On Aug. 25, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Irene Schnoebelen, the only girl he dated and the love of his life. Together they raised five children.

Throughout his life, Bob did whatever was necessary to provide for his family. He managed a turkey hatchery for his father-in-law, owned a Riverside grocery store, sold life insurance and worked for Country Lane Eggs in Frytown, Iowa. His family was the most important thing to him and he would show his love by teasing them frequently. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards, gardening, watching Hawkeye sports and making things for his grandchildren. He coached youth baseball and taught religious education classes. The eternal optimist, he was a Chicago Cubs fan.

After the family titles of husband, dad, grandpa, son or similar family title, the title Bob enjoyed the most was mayor of Riverside. He served in this position for 14 years, and the town underwent growth and experienced numerous improvements during his leadership. At one time or another he also served as a Riverside City Council member, president of St. Mary's Catholic school board, and was a member of the Riverside school board during the time Riverside consolidated with Ainsworth to form the Highland school district. Bob believed that civic duty was a high calling. Even though Bob was not a Rotarian, he epitomized their motto, "Service above self."

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife, Irene; and his children, Sandra from Culver City, Calif., Robert Jr. (Lois) of Riverside, Tom (Carol) of Jefferson City, Mo., Mark (Maureen) of Wellman, Iowa, and Karen (Bill) West of Omaha, Neb. He also is survived by his 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Ellen (Charles) Alberhasky; and sister-in-law, Vernita Schneider.

Preceding Bob in death were his parents; and three brothers, Melvin, Maynard and Elmer.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lensing Funeral Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City, with a rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 302 E. Jefferson St. in Iowa City. A luncheon and a time of fellowship will be held immediately following the service in the church hall. Following the luncheon, interment will be at St. Vincent's Cemetery west of Riverside.

www.lensingfuneral.com