El Schneider

El Schneider, 77, of Oak Creek, WI passed away on October 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy; daughter Jen, sons Timothy and Andrew; and brother Alan (Shelby). Further survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Edwin Jr. and Don, sister Marie Woelfel, brother-in-law Jim Ramus, and beloved mother- and father-in-law Ardis and Gene Ramus.

El received his undergraduate degree from Mount St. Paul College, Waukesha, where he lettered in basketball and golf, and was editor of the student newspaper. After a two-year stint in the Army Security Agency (part of the NSA) stationed in Turkey, he returned to Milwaukee and began employment as a Buyer at Milwaukee Public Schools. El spent 32 years at MPS, retiring from the district in 2003 as Assistant Director of Business Services. During that period he earned a Masters Degree in School Business Administration from UWM. After leaving MPS he was employed as a Contracts Manager at General Mitchell International Airport and later Milwaukee County Parks.

After retirement, El became active with the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Red Cross and served for several years as a Captain on the Disaster Action Team. He also was a volunteer in several capacities at St. Stephen the Martyr Lutheran Church in Greendale.

Throughout his life, El was active in sports and coaching. For many years he enjoyed coaching both boys and girls softball and volleyball at St. Matthias. His teams frequently won medals at the Badger State Games. For more than 20 years he played basketball, softball, and volleyball in various local leagues. He was most proud of his numerous gold and silver medals attained in volleyball competition at the Wisconsin Senior Olympics. El was also an avid golfer, but by his own admission, not necessarily always a good one. The true enjoyment was being out on the course with his friends in all kinds of weather, including on some occasions, falling snowflakes.

El and Nancy enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, particularly to New York and Maine to visit their sons. Among their favorite camping spots were the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming, where they became engaged in 1973. They became huge Broadway Musical fans and over the years saw more than fifty such shows in New York, Chicago, and Milwaukee.

In addition to his wife and children, what El cherished most in life, was the friendship, love, and camaraderie of his friends; whether at a Badgers game, on the golf course, a hiking trail, a local restaurant, or simply a backyard barbeque.

Visitation will take place at St. Stephen the Martyr, 6101 S 51st St, Greendale, on November 3rd from 1 PM to 3 PM. Service at 3 PM. Private interment at Arlington Park Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, or a donation may be made to either the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Red Cross or to St. Stephen the Martyr Lutheran Church.