Roger Schneider

Roger William Schneider
Roger William "R.W." Schneider succumbed to Alzheimer's on Thursday, December 20, comforted by the loving staff at St. Anne Extended Healthcare, Winona Health Hospice staff, a nephew, and a niece.
Roger was born in Winona to Paul W. and Frieda E. Schneider (Jessie) on April 30, 1930. Roger grew up within walking distance of St. John's Catholic Grade School, graduated from Cotter High School class of '48, and attended St. Mary's College.
Roger then joined the family business, Behrens Manufacturing Company, succeeding his father as majority owner and president. After a period of significant growth in the late '80s, the company faltered, ending his career abruptly and much sooner than he ever anticipated. A good friend at Winona Lighting Studio offered Roger an opportunity to join the Lighting team; Roger accepted and worked there in various capacities until the age of 80.
Prior to his move to St. Anne's, Roger truly enjoyed and took great pleasure in feeding the multitude of birds he attracted to the back yard of his hillside Knopp Valley home. Roger always put out enough food to attract and satisfy many other creatures, large and small.
Roger's favorite charity was the Winona Area Humane Society. He shared his home with his beloved cats, often more than one at a time. He kept watch for strays in the neighborhood, and provided food and water for his many "outdoor cats".
Roger read the daily papers and subscribed to numerous magazines, and watched the cable news & opinion shows, allowing him to carry on conversations on most subjects. Oftentimes, his observations, opinions, or comments were far from "politically correct". At family gatherings, Roger enjoyed watching the games if they were on, Gopher Football, Vikings, Twins, etc., having a cold beer, and complaining about the play calling with the group.
Roger loved spending time on the Mississippi River and local lakes, and owned many boats over the years. He spent countless hours fishing with companions, hitting all the hot spots year-round. If the fishing was good, he always had old newspapers stacked around the kitchen and living room to use for fish cleaning and wrapping up the mess.
Roger logged many, many miles driving up and down the river, at times a morning trip and again in the afternoon. He kept a watchful eye on the barge traffic, looked for bald eagles, and checked on the fishing action.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Paul W. and Frieda E. Schneider; sister, Elaine E. Stoltman; brother, Donald P. Schneider; and son, Terrence A. Schneider. He is survived by his son, Timothy A. Schneider, and nieces and nephews.
A private family service may be held at a later date. Please leave a memory of Roger at hofffuneral.com