Robert “Jim” Schneider

After nearly 14 years of waiting, Jim’s prayers to be reunited with Karen have been answered!

Robert James “Jim” Schneider, 88, of Colona, IL died May 24, 2023, at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, IL.  A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, May 31, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Coal Valley, IL. Burial to follow at Dayton Corners Cemetery, Colona. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 30, 4-7 pm at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kyle Petty Victory Junction Camp, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317, or to the Jim Schneider Memorial Fund.

Jim was born in Briar Bluff, IL on November 12, 1934, to Robert and Olga (Bensenberg) Schneider. He attended Briar Bluff school and graduated from Geneseo High School in 1952. Jim married Karen Bartlett on June 30, 1956. She preceded him in death on June 8, 2009.

Jim was a lifelong farmer and served in the Naval Reserve for 8 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Coal Valley, and previously served in various offices at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Colona. Jim was a township trustee, ASC committeeman for more than 20 years, and Farm Bureau member. He enjoyed early mornings at the coffee shop for many years and trips with Karen in search of furniture she could refinish or coffee pots for her collection.

Survivors include children Tim (Sandy) Schneider, Sally (Mike) Brockway and Chris (Cara) Schneider; grandchildren Matt (Amber) Schneider, Jason (Carolanne) Johnson, Melissa (Daniel Whitcanack) Whitney, Eric Blackert, Beau Schneider, Lyndsey Callahan and Kane Sovey; great-grandchildren Tyler, Tate, Chase, Ryder, Lillian, Karsyn, Weston, Althea and Braya; brother Jerry (Linda) Schneider and brother-in-law Tom (Bess Wade) Bartlett.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife Karen.

Our family would like to thank all the neighbors and friends who called and visited Dad. He enjoyed hearing neighborhood news and what was happening in the fields. Also, our thanks to Angie Caudill, Linda Schillinger, and the entire staff at Hillcrest Home for their care and kindness to our Dad.