Donald Schneider

Donald “Don” Dale Schneider passed away peacefully at age 92 at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI.

Born on September 22, 1932, to Alfred George and Florence Emma (Voss) Schneider. Don grew up in Springfield, MN and graduated from Springfield High School. Don joined the Navy in May 1951 and served on the USS Bryce Canyon AD-36 as an electrician’s mate third class during the Korean War. Don was honorably discharged from the Navy in March 1955.

Don met the love of his life, Donna Mae Hillesheim – the two were married on January 4, 1956, in Sleepy Eye, MN and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children: David, Dawn, Debra and Donovan.

Don worked many odd jobs while getting his education at Mankato State Teachers College where he graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. Don started his long career in public education in Somerset, WI, where he was a Business Education instructor, basketball coach, athletic director and high school principal. From there he moved the family to Glidden, WI, where he was the principal. After a brief stint there, he moved the family to Holcombe, WI, where he was the Superintendent. It was in Holcombe where he found a “lake home”, bought a boat and followed his passion for water skiing, fishing and hunting. After Holcombe he moved his family to Owen, WI, where he was Superintendent. All four of his children graduated from Owen-Withee High School. While working full-time he managed to get a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Minnesota in 1963 followed by additional graduate work from Wisconsin State University, Superior and the University of Minnesota. Don would move to Madison, WI, where he worked for the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). He would later become an interim Superintendent for the Thorp public schools.

Don’s hobbies include golf, hunting, skiing, photography, athletic events (lifelong Vikings fan) and fishing. He especially enjoyed having his sons join him including a special trip to Canada for walleye. In his retirement, he took up clock making, carving and enjoyed the many programs offered by the Stoughton Senior Center (for those in the area check out the billiard table he donated).

Don and Donna would settle in Stoughton, WI, in 1979 where Don served on the local school board and was an alderman.

Don is survived by his wife, Donna; his 4 children: David (Barbara), Dawn, Deb and Donovan (Debbie). Don felt very fortunate to have a large loving family including six grandchildren: Melissa, Ryan, Angela, Teresa (Max), Nicholas (Bailey) and Lauren; seven great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Kaylan, Isabella, Brooklyn, Ryan Jr., Davion and Eowyn; and one great-great-grandchild: Nova.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Florence, sisters Barbara and Lois, and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 323 N Van Buren St, Stoughton on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Burial to follow at St. Ann Cemetery, 2504 County Hwy A, Stoughton, WI 53589. All are invited to a luncheon at St. Ann’s Church after the burial.

Special thanks to Agrace Hospice care givers for their expert care and compassion especially Bernadette, Crystal and Jenny. Also, thanks to Dr. Agni for managing Don’s care all these years along with Teresa at the VA, Brian at the Stoughton Senior Center, Jesse from Village Caregiving, SSM Health at Home and Stoughton EMS for numerous calls to the house to help Don.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Stoughton Senior Center or the American Legion.