Andrew Schneider Jr.

Andrew (Andreas) Schneider Jr., 90, passed away on April 17, 2026 surrounded by love. Son of Marianne (Herzog) and Andreas Schneider, he was born on June 18, 1935 in Kernei, Yugoslavia. Driven by war from his homeland, he lived in Lenz, Austria before immigrating to Chicago in 1955.

Andrew, his brother, Frank, and his parents settled in Chicago. Andrew became a U.S. citizen and served in the U.S. army. Originally a Zuckerbäcker (cake decorator) like his father, Andrew learned drafting and became a mold designer for high pressure injection molding. He worked many years at S&C Electric company, retiring at 74. He enjoyed breakfasts with work friends as part of the Romeo club (Retired Old Men Eat Out) for many years.

The highlight of Andrew’s life was his family. He met his wife, Hildegard (Wagner) at a German dance in Chicago and was immediately smitten. They married June 26, 1965. Blessed with 4 children, they raised their family in the circle of St. Matthias parish, the Kerneier Club and The Donauschwaben Verein. Tragically, two of their children, Rosemary and Andy, died in 1983. In spite of this great loss, Andrew remained a joyful, loving father to Hildegard and John, encouraging them through college and into adulthood, showing them how to live with curiosity, integrity and passion.

While raising their family, Andrew and Hildegard enjoyed Chicago. Their neighborhood of Lincoln Square was vibrant, and Andy loved showing off the city to visitors from Europe. Fireworks and air-shows at the Lakefront also made fun memories, and the Chicago Botanic Gardens was a favorite. In 1986, Andy and Hildegard moved out of the city and joined St Catherine LaBoure parish. Andrew loved the home he built in Glenview. He and John designed it, and it gave Andy a lot of joy. Hildegard and Andrew lived there for 40 years, tending to the house and gardens with great care. It was beautiful year round, and the home base for Christmas Eve. So many extraordinary memories were created within those walls.

In 2002, Andrew became the best Opa ever. His 3 grandchildren, Emily, Sarah and Joseph, hold dear their memories of being snuggled, chased around with shaving cream, playing Mensch Ärger Dich Nicht, making buttercream roses, whistling at cardinals, breakfast at Walker Brothers, and posing for a gazillion pictures. It is impossible to imagine a more proud Opa who always loved hearing about his grandkids' adventures.

Andy enjoyed photography as well as collecting stamps, coins and shot glasses, especially those related to his travels. Beginning back in his army days, he loved to travel. Many family vacations involved a two door dodge without air-conditioning, 4 kids and a small triangular window manipulated by mom in the front seat. In more recent years, Hildegard and Andrew enjoyed many cruises. Andrew also loved the stock market. CNBC and Mad Money were Must-See TV and the grandkids remember Jim Cramer being called "Uncle Jimmie."

Andy is preceded to heaven by his parents, Andrew and Marianne, his brother, Frank, his sister-in-law, Anni, and his children, Rosemary and Andy. He is survived by his adoring wife, Hildegard, his son, John, his daughter, Hilde(gard), son-in-law Tom Spielbauer, and his grandchildren, Emily, Sarah and Joseph. He also cherished time with his in-laws, nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Andy, husband, father, and Opa, will be greatly missed. He taught us how to be stolz, loyal, faithful, funny, smart and loving. In loving memory, we’ll try to live up to his example.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at St Catherine LaBoure Parish, 3535 Thornwood Ave, Glenview, Illinois. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.