William J. Schneider, Zumbrota MN

Williams James Schneider, 80, died October 29 ^th , 2024, at his home surrounded by family.  He leaves behind his wife Kaye (Skarsten) three children, Kristin (Tony) Mueller of Zumbrota, Robyn Budensiek of Rosemount, Jeff (Shalon) Schneider of Oronoco; seven grandchildren, Jordyn Budensiek, Kennedy Mueller-Peters, Addison Mueller, Lexie Budensiek, William Mueller, Claire Schneider, Ellen Schneider; and his 11 siblings and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill was born August 19, 1944, in St. Cloud, MN to Al and Olga (Potthoff) Schneider.  He grew up in Watkins MN and attended the nearby St. Boniface High School.  Following graduation, he chose to serve in the National Guard and continued to do so for over seven years.  While serving in the Guard, Bill began college at Drews Business School in St. Cloud.  Drews is where he met the love of his life Kaye, whom he married just over a year later, bringing them to nearly 60 years of marriage.

Bill and Kaye started their family in the St. Cloud area and eventually moved to Rochester, where they continued to live until retirement.  Bill worked for Adamson Motors for several years, until he and Kaye decided to open their first business, which they tirelessly operated for over 40 years, Orange Julius.

With his wife, Bill raised a beautiful and loving family that continues to grow each year.  If you knew Bill, you would know that his grandchildren were his passion.  He loved to spoil them regularly and to their parent's chagrin, always suggested they skip right to dessert.  Papa's lap was the best for naps, and it wasn't unusual to find him with closed eyes, a toddler, and a book.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with a luncheon to follow. A visitation for Bill will be held one hour prior to the service.