Peter H. Schneider

Peter Herman Schneider, born September 21, 1923, died September 3, 2019 just a couple weeks shy of his 96th birthday. He was a proud WWII veteran of the 8th Infantry Division, Company A, having served in battle in Germany.  Peter was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Florence (VanMalsen); father, Peter; mother, Naomi Schneider Hale; stepfather, Joseph Hale; brothers, Charles, Harold, and Ernest; friends, Don, and Harry Fuller, Jim Lovewell, and Ted Lubbers. Peter is survived by his children, Peter Leroy Schneider, Patricia and William Brandt, Sandra Schneider Bouwman, Roxanne and David Ensing; grandchildren, William S. and Heidi Brandt, Mary Bouwman, Debra and Charles Bateman, Mark and Maria Brandt, David Jr. and Meghan Ensing, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Ensing, Catherine Ensing, Emily Ensing; 19 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and dearly loved nieces and nephews.  Peter was born in a small home in Dorr, Michigan where his father was a butcher and operated a small store from their home.  His dad died of tuberculosis from being in WWI when Peter was only four years old.  His youngest brother, Charles, died from meningitis at the age of eight.  Peter proudly served in WWII in Germany, gaining recognition in rifle marksmanship and sustaining an injury that earned him a Purple Heart.  He lost his two older brothers when they were in their 20’s and helped care for his sisters-in-law and their families following their deaths, in addition to caring for his mother.  While growing up, he lived in both Grandville and Jenison at various times.  He worked for Watson’s Nursery for 25 years and could tell you all about growing trees, shrubs, and nursery items.  He left the nursery to take employment with General Motors Diesel Equipment, where he worked until his retirement.  Peter and Florence purchased their first new home in Wyoming, Michigan in 1953 and remained there the rest of their lives.  He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting, raising beautiful rose gardens at his home, keeping an immaculate yard, spending time at his deer hunting cabin, and having his growing family around him. Peter was an example for us all in his commitment to marriage and work ethic.  A funeral to honor his life and his service to our country will be held on Monday, September 9, 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating.  Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, September 8, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home.  The family would like to thank Spectrum Health Hospice for their wonderful care and concern, and Chris Rostenkowski who visited often with Peter and spent time with him during the last few years of his life.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice.