Obituary of Dennis Joseph Schneider
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Dennis Schneider, age 72 of Bay City, Michigan passed away on March 4, 2024. He was born on June 5, 1951, in Bay City, MI to parents Gerald and Rose Mary Schneider. He graduated from John Glenn High School in 1969. The following year he married Barbara Knight and though this marriage wasn’t permanent, they had two children together, Erica and Brad.
Denny went to work for GM at the Saginaw foundry plant then later moved to Lapeer and worked at the Orion plant in skilled trades as a millwright until he retired. Den has been a hard worker since day one. He helped on his grandparents’ farm as a child, owned a pool business, and served 31 years at GM. He always did what he could by working many long hours to provide for his family.
In Den’s younger years, he liked to bowl, hunt, and fish. Eventually, he found his true passion in golf and always found time to hit the links whenever he could. He also enjoyed hanging out with friends and family at the “local watering hole” for “happy hour”. He had a joking nature and often tried to prank others to fall for his made-up stories. Most of the fabrications involved his nickname “Doc”, which he proudly accepted.
Denny was a fan of the home teams from the Tigers to the Lions, and cherished the time he spent watching the games with his father. However, Den always noted his fondness for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!
He jammed out to classic rock and spoke fondly of his time playing drums as a young adult. Den loved “spicy” foods and often tried to encourage others to “taste test” a sample of his homemade salsa, knowing full well it was going to be too hot for their liking. He was drawn to “techie” items and always purchased the latest and greatest gadgets. Shopping on Amazon was second nature to Denny and the delivery driver made many weekly stops to his house.
Denny was the oldest of 4 brothers and one sister. He proudly took on the role of “big brother” by caring for his younger siblings. Although they may have had some scuffles along the way, they made countless good memories and had many laughs together. No matter the circumstances, they were always there for one another.
Denny was a great father and a caring grandpa. Den held his family close at heart and showed compassion through his love of gift-giving. He celebrated many Christmas holidays with his family but especially loved watching his two grandchildren experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning.
Denny faced many health challenges in recent years but he kept his sense of humor despite the difficulties. As he coped with his struggles, his family looked after him in his aging. He was very appreciative of his family’s support. Denny will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Dennis is survived by his daughter Erica (Nathan) Carr of Lapeer; grandchildren Gavin and Vanessa; father Gerald; siblings Robert (Norma) Schneider, Patrick (Sue) Schneider, Mary Beth (Dale) Schrock, William (Doug) Schneider, Donald (Lisa) Schneider, 8 nieces and nephews and former wife Barbara Knight. He was preceded in death by his mother Rose Mary and his son Brad Schneider.
The family expresses their gratitude to the caring staff at Brian’s House Hospice in Essexville and wishes that those planning an expression of sympathy consider memorial contributions to Brian’s House Hospice. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
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