Obituary of John Eugene Schneeberger

John Eugene Schneeberger, 85, of Duluth, passed away in hospice at St. Luke's hospital Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, and went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John was born in Ashland April 24, 1930, to John G. and Esther (Bekken) Schneeberger. On Sept. 8, 1951, he married the "love of his life," Carol Lillian Bruce, and they were blessed with 64 years together. John honorably served in the United States Army; thirteen months of which were in active duty in the Korean War. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class of the 7th Infantry Division as a Combat Rifleman. His platoon served the outpost on Old Baldy, Triangle Hill and Pork Chop Hill. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Two Bronze Stars and the Presidential Citation Medal from the South Korean President along with many other medals. John was a life member of the VFW Post 137 and the American Legion Post 71. John was always a hard worker. At age 17, he quit school and worked five different jobs to help support his mother and sister after his father passed away. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for a time before deciding to become self-employed. He operated the Texaco Station on London Road, University 76 in Woodland, John's Skelly on 6th Ave. East and in 1979 established 4th Street Auto Repair, retiring in 1995. John was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and their Sunshine Group; wrapping many packages of pasties and cookies. He loved volunteering and helping others, especially at the Holy Cross Senior Lunch Program - making many friends.As a dad, he was a great encourager and role model. He taught us that you can have whatever you want as long as you are willing to work hard for it. He loved our family gatherings and time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We fondly remember all the good times at the family lake place in Iron River and camping and fishing trips. Dad loved to bake and make his famous "papa's soup!" He enjoyed building bird houses and had a gift for painting; he left behind many pieces of art for his family to enjoy! His presence will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther Schneeberger; in-laws Alfred and Lillian Bruce; sister Marilyn Olson Doucette; brother-in-law James Olson; and son-in-law Kenneth (Dewey) Smith. John is survived by his loving wife, Carol; daughters Carolyn (Gary) Lofald of Duluth, Diane Schneeberger of St. Paul and Susan Smith of Solon Springs; grandchildren Carrie (Jeff) Bruns, Derek Lofald, Jesse (Stacy) Runions, Lacy (John) Rady, Victoria, and Erika and Vincent Rider; great-grandchildren Brody, Ella, Cambria, Caleigha, Cage, Treyton, Hugh, Kendall and a baby girl due in June; and many loving neighbors and friends. VISITATION: 11:30 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Feb. 27, in Christ Lutheran Church, 2415 Ensign St., Duluth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church.