- Born on: July 1, 1932
- Departed on: November 14, 2018
- Resided in: Ames, IA
Richard (Dick) Schneider
Richard W. (Dick) Schneider, 86, of Ames, died at home Wednesday, November 14, after a brief bout with lymphoma.
He was born July 1, 1932, in Des Moines to Forrest and Hilda Schneider. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and served four years of active duty as a jet engine mechanic instructor, specializing in the F-86D. He then served another 16 years in the Iowa Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. He used his G.I. benefit to earn a master’s degree in adult education from Iowa State University and taught American history, American government and psychology for more than 40 years, retiring from Ames Senior High School in 1994.
During his years at Ames Senior High, he was the government teacher students hoped they didn’t get, but many of them told him later that they were thankful for his tutelage, especially in teaching them not to believe everything they read. He had no patience for people who consider the U.S. Constitution a technicality, and he was always ready to share his extensive knowledge of history with the curious. He was open to opposing views, but only as long as those opposing views were supported by facts.
He remained passionate about aviation throughout his life and loved flying his ultralight and visiting air museums and air shows. When none of those things were possible, he enjoyed talking about airplanes with pilots and anyone else who shared his hobby.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jan (Lair) Schneider of Ames; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Carla Schneider of Duluth, Minnesota; his daughter, Meg Schneider, and her partner Mike Ryan, of North Liberty, Iowa; and grandchildren, Zach and Caitlin Schneider, both of Duluth, and Chris Schmunk, of Cicero, New York.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen (Schneider) Rinehimer; his son-in-law, Clyde “Bud” Schmunk Jr; and pre-2016 political norms.
In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated and will be inurned at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery during a private ceremony at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Aviation Museum (flyingmuseum.com) in Greenfield, Iowa, or to Friends of Iowa CASA and ICFCRB, 4th floor Lucas Bldg, 321 E 12th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
He was born July 1, 1932, in Des Moines to Forrest and Hilda Schneider. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and served four years of active duty as a jet engine mechanic instructor, specializing in the F-86D. He then served another 16 years in the Iowa Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. He used his G.I. benefit to earn a master’s degree in adult education from Iowa State University and taught American history, American government and psychology for more than 40 years, retiring from Ames Senior High School in 1994.
During his years at Ames Senior High, he was the government teacher students hoped they didn’t get, but many of them told him later that they were thankful for his tutelage, especially in teaching them not to believe everything they read. He had no patience for people who consider the U.S. Constitution a technicality, and he was always ready to share his extensive knowledge of history with the curious. He was open to opposing views, but only as long as those opposing views were supported by facts.
He remained passionate about aviation throughout his life and loved flying his ultralight and visiting air museums and air shows. When none of those things were possible, he enjoyed talking about airplanes with pilots and anyone else who shared his hobby.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jan (Lair) Schneider of Ames; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Carla Schneider of Duluth, Minnesota; his daughter, Meg Schneider, and her partner Mike Ryan, of North Liberty, Iowa; and grandchildren, Zach and Caitlin Schneider, both of Duluth, and Chris Schmunk, of Cicero, New York.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen (Schneider) Rinehimer; his son-in-law, Clyde “Bud” Schmunk Jr; and pre-2016 political norms.
In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated and will be inurned at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery during a private ceremony at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Aviation Museum (flyingmuseum.com) in Greenfield, Iowa, or to Friends of Iowa CASA and ICFCRB, 4th floor Lucas Bldg, 321 E 12th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
