Billy J. Schneider

ROCHESTER, MINN:Bill Schneider, 70, of Rochester, passed away on April 11, 2015 at his home. Bill was born October 13, 1944 to Henry and Agnes (Neuens) Schneider in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He graduated from Stout State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and a Master of Science in Industrial Education. He later went on to get his Master of Engineering. Bill married Phyllis Tollefson on August 24, 1968. They would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this summer. Throughout his life, Bill worked as an engineer and teacher. Most notably, he started at IBM in 1967 and held various positions over 35 years with the company. In 2003 He spent four years at Hitachi and worked as a contract engineer for two additional years. Bill also enjoyed teaching engineering and technology classes at both Rochester Community and Technical College and IBM. He also taught faith formation classes at the Church of St. Pius X. Bill enjoyed many activities including fishing, hunting, playing cribbage, reading, spending time with family and friends, and following the activities of his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife, Phyllis; six children, Joseph (Lisa) Schneider of Rochester, MN; Melissa Schneider of Rochester, MN; Joshua Schneider of St. Paul, MN; Josiah (Heather) Schneider of Spring Valley, MN; Melanie (Kurt) Austin of Kansas City, KS; Molly Schneider of Columbia, MO; eight grandchildren, Amber, Ben, Sofie, Jenise, Tillie, Sadie, Elissa, and Mariella; and his brothers, Jerome (Dara) Schneider of Black River Falls, WI and David (Bonnie) Schneider of Kingsford, MI. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Schneider; his mother, Agnes Schneider; infant sister, Phyllis Schneider; and sister, Audrey Rowell. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 15th at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, MN with Rev. Paul Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church. A private family burial will be held at later date in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to Eagle's Cancer Telethon.