Cecil E. Schniepp

Schniepp, Cecil, 92, retired swimming pool contractor, founder of Ultra Modern Pools, Ultra Modern Pool & Patio, Blue Water Products and Magnacare Distributors, passed away April 6, 2013. He was preceded in death by parents, Carl and Viola (Ficken) Schniepp; first wife, Loretta Schniepp and second wife, Ruth Schniepp. He is survived by his special friend, Dorothy Fink; 2 brothers, Robert and Glenn (Phylis) Schniepp; beloved father of 7 children, Linda (James) Wallace, Jerry, Rita (Lance) Rowlen, John, Laurin (Michelle) and twins Elden and Elaine (Danny) Hughes; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was raised on a farm in Bazine, KS. Cecil was known as the “Father” of the swimming pool industry in the Wichita area. He mentored many young men now in their own businesses. He built pools in several Midwest states from small residential to large design-build commercial city pools. He built his first pool in 1954 for a pilot friend. He was a member of the NSPI/ASP Trade Association for 50 years and attended trade shows for 50 years missing only one. He leaves behind a 60-year legacy with 3 generations of pool and spa professionals. He earned his 50 yr. Pilot pin and was a member of the Pilots Association. He flew his Beach Bonanza to the Oshkosh Fly-In Convention annually and was an active pilot through age 82. He was a Sgt. in the US Army 503 Ord, serving in World War II for 3 years in Germany, England and France. His unit was known as the “Fix-it Doughboys from Kansas” because if machinery or equipment was scratched, flat, broken or bent, they’d paint it, inflate it, mend it or straighten it. They would get it going! Their primary function was to retrieve tanks from the front line and keep guns firing. Visitation with family present 5-7 p.m. Monday with funeral service 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, both at Resthaven Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.