Orville Francis Schneider

Orville Francis Schneider, age 77, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully and with dignity at home with his wife and daughter by his side after a lengthy illness on November 18. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jonelle Shoemaker. Orv is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Linda (Leedy) Schneider and two cherished daughters, Amy (Christopher) Karasinski, and Jennifer (Donald) Brimm.  His legacy lives on in the grandchildren he adored: Sean Kelly Ryan and his soon to be wife Brittany Toce, Sophia  Karasinski, Lily Karasinski, Jack Karasinski, and Donald  Brimm Jr. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Kempf, and many caring friends who visited him often during his illness. Orv served in the armed forces and was stationed in Paris. He graduated from Western Michigan University, where he captained the football team and was named Man of the Year in 2001. Orv was actively involved in the business community and succeeded in creating and developing a successful insurance agency, served on the board of the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, and worked tirelessly for Western Michigan University’s Alumni Association.  He was devoted to his family and followed his grandchildren’s many activities with great joy! Orv was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a man who loved deeply and was much loved in return. A private family gathering was held to celebrate his life. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the myriad of doctors and health care workers who cared for him.