George H. Schneider
George Henry Schneider passed peacefully on October 4, 2024. George was born February 21, 1934, in Holstein NE to Theodore Peter Schneider and Anna Barbara (Hupf) Schneider, and was raised on their family farm. This beginning provided the roots for his life-long love of the land and all the natural world.
After graduating high school, he worked for Nebraska Game Commission in habitat restoration and fisheries for 2 years. He then served in the U. S. Army as a mechanic for 2 years and was given the chance to become an officer but was encouraged by his mentor at the Game Commission to go on to college. He enrolled at University of Nebraska and continued to work at the Game Commission with quail and pheasant research during his studies at the University. George was the first in his family to obtain a college degree, completing double majors of B.S. and M.S. degrees in Botany and Zoology.
George met the love of his life, Jovita (Jo) Ostdiek, at a church youth dance, and they were married May 25, 1955 in Lawrence, NE while he was still serving in the Army. After his graduation from University of Nebraska, George and Jo took their three young children at that time to Quincy, IL to start his career at Quincy College (now Quincy University.) He taught there as Associate Professor for 38 years, a tenure which included membership on the Administrative Council and 3 years as Chairman of the Biological Sciences Department. His honors included Sigma Xi and Teacher of The Year Award. He was recognized as Professor Emeritus in 2016.
After moving to Quincy, their family grew from 3 to 6 children, and they moved to a family farm near Liberty, IL. George was well-known for his bountiful garden, which he loved to share with family, friends and the community. The farm was his natural laboratory for research. He raised a variety of bird species such as quail, pheasant, and wild turkeys and helped reintroduce them to local habitats. The family enjoyed many Sunday walks in the woods, where their dad became their first teacher to instill a love of nature as well as the joy of spending time together as a family.
George was an accomplished scientist and researcher throughout his career. He conducted several ecological research projects, including an environmental impact study for the Quincy Bayview bridge, wetlands delineation for extension of Highway 336, bald eagle studies, and several other environmental research projects. He also conducted studies of breeding bird populations for the State of Illinois at Siloam Springs State Park and Jubilee State Park (Peoria). And for many decades he contributed to Audubon Spring and Christmas bird counts. He had a keen ear for identifying species by song and their flight patterns. He extended his involvement with memberships to the Wildlife Management, Mammalogy Society, and Audubon Society.
George strongly believed in supporting his community by serving on various committees and boards. He served on the Board of Directors for Adams Electric Cooperative 21 years, served on the University of IL Extension Agricultural Committee, and was a Liberty School Board Member for six years (acting as President for 2 years). He was active in parish life at St. Brigid Church in Liberty. He served for many years as Eucharistic Minister and Lector; also served on parish council. He and Jovita served as mentors for engaged couples preparing for marriage.
He enjoyed gardening until late in life, had a tremendous love for hunting, fishing, bird-watching and woodworking: he made many fine pieces of furniture for children and grandchildren. Of all of his roles and accomplishments, his favorite title was that of husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. He loved his children and being with family, and he was a central part of our lives.
George was a great teacher, scholar, researcher, gardener, ornithologist, hunter, fisherman, family man, and above all, a gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh.
George was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and their spouses. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 70 years, Jovita; children Pam (Ken) Markin, Greg (Lori), Ron (Denise), Mike (Patty), Karen (John) Steinkamp, Donna (Steve) Dressel; grandchildren Jennifer, Daniel, Michael, Audrey, Jeremy, Ryan, David (Juli), Megan (Alex), Madison, Graham, Dalton, Maggie, Peter, Kate; great-grandchildren Josiah, Tyrell, Jane, Henry, Nora; and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Illinois Veterans Home for their care and loving attention to George. We will be eternally grateful.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty.
Interment will be in St. Brigid Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy, and Tuesday morning at St. Brigid Church from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Quincy University Fund for student scholarships or St. Brigid Catholic Church.
What a rich life George led! What spirit and blessings he shared along the way and now. I know him through his passionate, lovely and spirited daughter Donna who is a dear friend of my heart. Her gardening gift comes from her dad. I see her smile in his face. I honor his memory and give thanks for his life. Holding Jo with tender care as she continues in this life without her lifelong sweetheart. Clearly George made a difference in our world, and is beloved by man. Thank you, George, for your well-lived life, and the countless gifts you have left behind in so many people–students, coworkers, friends, family. I know you will be blessing us all. With love and care, Robin Kline
He was a great guy, very caring. I had him as a teacher in my day…
God give him the peace for his journey home to his creator.
Eternal rest grant to his soul.
Paul K. Geers
Pres. Of the Latin mass society of Quincy/ historic St. Rose of lima parish.
There are always people you meet along life’s path that provide a nugget of advice that makes more sense as you get older. George gave me a few along the way and I always enjoyed when I ran into him at a ‘fish fry’ when back home or at a family wedding (or more likely a funeral).
I was in the first group of JWCC and we did class work at QC. I had Zoology w/ George and was not grasping all the concepts/value of knowing the phylum of sponges, etc. I went to see George and after we talked a while he said “nobody will ask you in future what your grade was in an individual class….you only need to pass”. Then he gave me that wry smile and you could see the twinkle in his eye. Then we talked hunting, turkey population and farming. I used that advice w/ my kids, employees and when I was at U of I and later at Kellogg.
The other classic memory was when they released Turkeys at Siloam Springs Park and Uncle John Siebers was somehow involved. John’s highlight was that as George released the bird and it flew over the reporters car (all this on tape for the Quincy Evening News) the bird ‘dropped presents’ all across the hood of the car. John was sure with Georges understanding of Turkeys he had ‘set this up’.
Hi Charlie, What a wonderful tribute you have paid by sharing these stories. And i can confirm that your recounting of the turkey release story is fully accurate because i was there to witness it — it was almost as if the turkey performed as instructed with a perfect aim! Best Regards, Mike
I am holding all of you close to my heart as you gather to remember George’s life. And though I never had the pleasure of knowing him in person, I feel like I know him. I am so grateful for his life and for the legacy he has left in all of you and for all of us. Clearly George spread a lot of love and joy across the field of his life. How fitting that he went home on the Feast of St. Francis. George continues to be an example of St. Francis’ love of all creation. I am keeping you surrounded with blessings, peace and great love, Julie
What a wonderful neighbor we’ve lost! So many wonderful memories of George over the years. He always shared his garden with my folks, and they were so grateful. Prayers for each of his family. I miss hearing his chainsaw and tractor in his woods next door.
Hi Lisa, thanks for this tribute and for your continuing support to Mom. She is so fortunate to have neighbors like you. Best, Mike
Deepest Sympathy to Jo and family. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all🙏🙏💐💐
I’m sorry I won’t be able to celebrate George’s life with all of you on Tuesday, but I know the Schneider family will be sharing many memories and much love as they gather together to support their mom and one another in these days ahead. As a first generation college kid myself, George was the first college professor I ever met and his love for learning certainly was passed on to his family and then indirectly to lots of us in our community! The Schneider kids all excelled at Liberty and pushed many of us to do the same. Mike and Karen are two of my dearest friends, and their love of nature and the outdoors was contagious–so much so that I joined them on camping trips and even learned what ornithology was from Karen and Donna.
What a legacy George has left! I know that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will take wonderful care of Jo–and will impact the world in many ways, just like their dad did. I’ll be keeping your whole family in my prayers as you mourn this heavy loss in the weeks and months ahead. Heaven has gained a faithful servant!
What a beautiful tribute Barb! It means a lot to us knowing you are keeping us in your prayers. Best, Mike
So sorry to hear of your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
George was my biology professor at Quincy College and later we were Master Gardeners together with the University of Illinois Extension. As an undergraduate student, I spent a weekend camping trip with George at Siloam Springs State Park, along with QC biology professors, Al Pogge and Fr. John Ostdeik. The class was titled “Upland Forest Ecology” and it opened for me a lifelong love of nature and an appreciation for the marvels of creation. George’s passion for nature and his wonderful classroom teaching style made our time together a joy.
Yes, he had a great sense of humor, too. At Siloam Springs he told our class, as we were getting our binoculars and gear ready, that the scientific study of birds is called “Ornithology.” What we were going to do is called “bird watching.” The class loved it!
I had the privilege of having George as a teacher and later worked with him at Quincy University for 14 years. He was a wonderful teacher, and probably one of the nicest men I’ve ever known.
So sorry for your loss of George! He was one of the best! Sending prayers and love your way as I am not able to make it to the services. Lots of great memories growing up with all the Schneider clan. Whether it’s hunting, butchering or helping melt the ice off the Christmas trees the year of the big ice storm, literally skating around the house! I teach Environmental Science at QHS now and draw from my own childhood experiences often. George and Jo were always such an inspiration. Prayers for peace and comfort for all.
Hi Carol, Thanks for reminding us of the many happy memories we have of times spent with your family, and thanks for your prayers. Best, Mike
Deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers for Jovita and the whole extended family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of George. I can still see that infectious smile on his face every time I think of him.
Hi Alan, thanks for your prayers. Best, Mike
Hello Mike, I’m sitting with my brother Russ reminiscing about more George Schneider stories. He remembers your dad brewing the “Schneider Family Beer “ from a recipe found in the family bible and how your mom experienced some of the bottles blowing their tops! Thanks for reaching out, peace and prayers ❤️😎
I had George while attending Quincy University. He was such a genuine and kind person. I know my father thought a lot of him as well as they both taught at QU for many years. We used to get our Xmas trees from him! Thoughts go out to the family.
Hi Jeannie, thanks for your kind words. Dad also spoke highly of your Dad, and considered the friendship of colleagues like him as highlights of his tenure there. Best, Mike
So sorry for the loss of your life’s partner, Jo. May God wrap His arms around you and your family and give you His peace. Don, Linda, Lidonna and Ian
Hi Don,
Thanks for the kind words. And thank you for hiring me to help with baling clover hay some 50 years ago. Best, Mike