Chad Schneider
Chad Dustin Schneider was born Oct. 26, 1971, in Omaha, Nebraska, to John Schneider and Rita (Barnhart) Schneider. He died unexpectedly on Nov. 6, 2022, at his home in Holyoke at the age of 51.
Chad spent his early childhood in Nebraska and Wyoming. In 1977, the family moved to Holyoke, where Chad began kindergarten that fall. He graduated from Holyoke High School in 1990.
Following his graduation, Chad enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. After basic training, he was stationed in Seattle, Washington, aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon for two years, patrolling waters throughout Alaska and the Aleutian Islands and even docking at the International Dateline.
One of his real highlights during this time was docking in Vladivostok, Russia, on a goodwill mission, where he and the crew spent several days. His final two years in the Coast Guard were spent at their base in Cape May, New Jersey, where he served as a firefighter.
Upon discharge, Chad embarked upon a 14-month stint as a government-contracted firefighter in McMurdo, Antarctica. He felt blessed to have traveled so much of the world and talked about how amazing it was to get to experience both the Northern and Southern Lights.
Chad found his true passion in life when he began working in the construction industry. He spent several years working construction in Fort Collins, Table Rock, Nebraska, and Grant, Nebraska, before returning to Holyoke.
He spent the last 10 years working first with Tom Wirges and then with Mike Smith and his crew. He loved his work and was especially proud of the projects they completed at St. Patrick Catholic Church and Ballyneal Golf Club.
Another of Chad’s passions was antique collecting. He attended many auctions, always on the hunt for that one special treasure. He loved showing off his new finds to anyone who would listen.
Chad is survived by his parents Rita Peterson of Fort Collins and John and Lynn Schneider of Holyoke; sister Christie Stein and husband Eric of Fort Collins; sister Rachel Schneider of Lakewood; nephews Lucas Stein of Fort Collins and Isaac Stein of Austin, Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The funeral service was held Nov. 12 at First Baptist Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Al Smith officiating. A private family interment will be held Nov. 19 at the Home of Peace Cemetery in Grover.
Baucke Funeral Home directed the Service.