Father Ronald Francis Schneider, age 78, entered eternal life on Saturday, March 7, 2020. He was born in Sparta, Michigan on April 2, 1941, the son of Ivan and Leona (Arends) Schneider. He is survived by siblings Mary Anne (Bob) Benham of Cedar Springs, Bob (Kath) Schneider of Sparta, Steve (Terri) Schneider of Grant, Jane (Joe) Jonaitis of Lansing, Judy (Bob) Dietrich of Grand Ledge, Rita (Joe) Nowak of Rockford; sister-in-law Joan Schneider, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Dan Schneider.
He attended high school at St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids and went on to attend Mount St. Mary of the West in Norwood, Ohio, and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1967 by Bishop Allen J. Babcock at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
Father Schneider was appointed to the Mexican Apostolate in June 1967, under the direction of then Diocesan Director Father Rosloniec. In July 1971, he was appointed associate pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Grand Rapids. In May 1974, he was appointed Youth Ministry Director for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. In addition to his responsibilities as youth director, he was appointed pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish in Newaygo in May 1977. In July 1986, he was appointed pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Muskegon where he served until in July 1994 when he was appointed pastor of St. Gregory in Hart and the mission at St. Joseph in Elbridge. Since July 2009, he had served as pastor of St. Ann in Baldwin and the mission at St. Ignatius in Luther. In February 2013, he was appointed dean of the then newly-established North Deanery.
Funeral arrangements:
Visitation
Wednesday, March 11, 5 – 8 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also one hour prior to Mass on Thursday, March 12.
St. Ann-St. Ignatius Church
1001 Michigan Ave.
Baldwin, MI 49304
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, March 12 at 12 p.m. (noon) with Bishop Walkowiak presiding
St. Ann-St. Ignatius Church
(see address above)
May Father Schneider rest in eternal peace and enjoy the fullness of the glory of the Lord he served. Please remember him in your prayers.
