Claude C. Schneider

Claude C. Schneider, 94, was called to his eternal home to be reunited with his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Acquin Schneider, on April 26th, 2025, in Gainesville, Georgia. His life, a testament to loyalty, generosity, and unwavering faith, now finds its rest. Claude believed and echoed the words of one of his favorite authors Tom Clancy, "The point of life was to press on, to do the best you can, to make the world a better place." He lived these words fully.

Born on January 8, 1931, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Louis E. Schneider and Dorothy M. Trossen, He was one of seven siblings. Claude graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud and continued his education at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. 

In January 1951, Claude’s commitment to service led him to the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Achieving the rank of Corporal and was primarily stationed at Camp Rucker, AL, he received an Honorable Discharge in August 1952. Utilizing the GI Bill, he completed his education at the University of Minnesota, where he distinguished himself as president of the Business School, president of the AKΨ business fraternity, and a member of the All-University Congress.

His life blossomed in 1955 when Claude met Mary (“Ackie”) Spalding while working for Phelps Dodge Copper Corp. in St. Louis. Their connection deepened quickly, leading to marriage the following year and a lifelong partnership. Their family grew with the births of their children: Louis (1957), William ('61), Mary Acquin ('63), and James ('64). Their journey took them from Des Moines, Iowa, back to St. Louis, then to New Jersey, before they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1971.

Claude dedicated over 30 years to Phelps Dodge Copper Corporation until in 1984, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found HiTech Cable in Starkville, Mississippi. Together with his partners, they built a thriving company which after 5 years was sold to Southwire in 1989, the year of Claude's retirement. He and Mary embraced their retirement years with a passion for travel, furthering their knowledge, engaging in many social activities with dear friends both in Atlanta and Cape Coral, FL, collecting art and involvement with St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Loyalty defined Claude’s character, evident in his 62-year devotion to Mary, his steadfast commitment to his family, his unwavering faith, and his enduring friendships. The annual Schneider family Christmas dinner, filled with joyous noise and laughter, was a cherished tradition for Claude, who would say with gusto, "This is music to my ears!"

Following Mary’s passing in August 2018, Claude embraced life at Lanier Village Estates, where he cultivated incredible friendships and actively participated in the community. He enjoyed working out, singing in the chorus, playing water volleyball and cards, and spending time with his close companion, JoAlice Halsell. Claude and JoAlice shared much in common, most notably kindness, appreciation for close friends, and the fullness of life at LVE.

Claude's faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He was a devoted parishioner at St. Michael's Catholic Church, attending Mass regularly. His generosity extended beyond his immediate circle. Claude established an annual scholarship at St. John’s University for a deserving student from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. He reconditioned and expanded a prayer garden, Mary’s Garden for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth near Bardstown, KY dedicated to his dear wife Mary. Claude also served as a founding board member for Peachtree Farm in Peachtree Corners Ga. He was an honored fourth-degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was a past president with BYO, an electrical social group in Atlanta, and member of the Chattahoochee Men’s Golf Association.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his brothers Roman, Ardwin, Leon, Melvin, and a grandson Michael Corey. He is survived by his two sisters, Marilyn Lorbiecki and Dorothy Berg; his four children and their spouses, Lou and Lora, Bill and Roxanne, Mary and Mike, and Jim, his 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was affectionately known as "Daddo" by his grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated therapists and nurses at Lanier Village Estates for their exceptional care and support. And from Claude’s family to JoAlice Halsell, thank you for all the love and support you showed our father and us for the past five years. We are indebted to your kindness.

A funeral service to celebrate Claude's life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 1st, at Saint Michael's Catholic Church, 1440 Pearce Circle, Gainesville, Georgia. The family will receive friends at the church before the service, from 10:00 am to 10:50 am. A family burial will take place at Arlington Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Peachtree Farm at 350 Research Ct., Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 or online at www.peachtreefarm.org.

As Claude lived his life with a deep and abiding faith, we find solace in the words of the Gospel of Matthew: "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master" May he rest in peace.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do as a littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.