Bernard "Bernie" Schnedecker

Bernie Schnedecker passed away on Monday, August 10th at the age of 92. Bernie was born in Hokah Minnesota on April 28th, 1923 to William & Anna (Horihan) Schnedecker. Bernie attended St. Peter's Catholic Grade School and High School in 1942. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. While in the Navy, Bernie was recognized for his service receiving both the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return home, Bernie worked a couple of jobs until he was hired at Trane Company and soon was promoted to a position as a tool designer. He served 38 years at Trane Company.
Bernie became involved in several organizations but none more important than the Catholic Order of Foresters and Holy Trinity Church Men's Club. He also proudly and faithfully distributed flags to Veterans graves on Memorial Day.
Bernie's family was the most important to thing to him. He loved to go camping and fishing. He headed up north every summer to catch that elusive muskie. He also looked forward to the Schnedecker family reunions. Bernie treasured his role as Grandpa to Mikey and Katie and they treasured him. Among his favorite hobbies were bowling, golf, woodworking (and other odd creations), hunting for walnuts, berries and watercress. He also loved to dance and travel with Elaine. They traveled to every state in the country excluding Hawaii and Alaska, as well as Canada. Most importantly, Bernie was the guy who everybody liked because he treated everyone with kindness. Often a man of few words, Bernie lived by his example. He did not judge people and forgiveness came easy for him.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine (Shoger) Schnedecker, daughter Karen (Mike) Desmond, grandchildren Mike and Katie Desmond and his most recent joy, great-granddaughter, Kaileen Rose Desmond. He also loved his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna, three brothers, Robert, Gerald (Elaine) and Francis (Elvina) and one sister, Marion (Don) Ellis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Hokah, Minnesota. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. The family wishes that memorials in Bernie's honor be directed to the Holy Trinity Parish Endowment. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.