Obituary of Gene Schneider

November 23, 1934 - January 14, 2024

Winford Eugene Schneider.  Age 89 of Southgate.

Family Tribute ~

Winford Eugene (“Gene”) Schneider, of Southgate (formerly of South Rockwood) passed away on Sunday, January 14, at the age of 89, surrounded by family.

Gene was born into a large family of 12 children in Berlin Township on November 23, 1934, to William and Aldora (Bowers). In 1960 he married Sally Oldani, who passed in 1979. He later married Marie (Cheplicki) in 1981, who sadly preceded him in death just 14 months ago in November 2022. After attending Carleton Airport High School, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. Gene looked back upon his time as a Marine proudly and would often tell stories of his time traveling while in the service, including when he and some fellow service members hitchhiked from California to Michigan after completing boot camp. After the Marines, Gene worked for over 40 years at McLouth Steel in Trenton, Michigan, in the oxygen processing unit. He was known for his work ethic and joking nature, and was known by the nickname of “Whitey” for his very light blonde hair.

Outside of work, Gene was a longtime member of the South Rockwood United Methodist Church. He participated in the church bowling and softball leagues where he was an all star pitcher and speedster on the bases. He enjoyed baking and was known for his pumpkin rolls that he would bake annually for the church bazaar. He and Marie retired to northeastern Michigan to a home that he built with help from his brother. There they enjoyed the peace and quiet of the woods and daily sightings of forest animals and birds. Gene would occasionally bow hunt and fish, and was cutting trees down into his early 80s.

Gene is survived by children Michelle, Penny, Bill (Kelly), David (Staci) and Julie; grandchildren Christopher and Michael Kane, James, Craig and Brooke Sendo, Kevin and Samual (Jr.) Harding, Hannah, Grace, Haylee and Blake; great-grandchildren Ellie and Owen Yocum; sister Marilyn Surgener and sister in law Susan Bentley. He was preceded in death by his parents; children Tony and Brenda Harding; siblings Robert, Carl, Kenny, Harold, Louis, Mary Jane, Catherine Garvey, Myron, Joyce Cheetham and Francis Hohman.

Donations in Gene’s honor can be made to the South Rockwood United Methodist Church, 6311 South Huron River Drive, South Rockwood, MI 48179.

Cremation will take place at The On-Site Crematory, located within Molnar Funeral Homes - Brownstown Chapel.