Elsie M. Schneider

Elsie Marie Schneider (nee Trapp) passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on Monday, March 25, 2024 at Care Partners Assisted Living, Appleton, WI.  Elsie was born November 24, 1924 to David and Ruby (Hanson) Trapp.   She was raised on a small farm in Quimby, Iowa, along with 5 brothers and 1 sister Loren (Jane) Trapp, Leo (Elaine) Trapp, Dale (Emma)Trapp, Merle (Janice) Trapp, Darlene (Dean) Roberts, Dean (Beverly) Trapp.

Elsie was proud of her Swedish heritage and always hoped to one day travel to Sweden and meet her relatives.  After graduating from high school, Elsie moved to Washington, D.C.  This is where she met Justin (John) Schneider, who was recovering from a World War II injury.  They were married November 25, 1944 in Washington, D.C. where they both continued working in government until they moved to Appleton, WI in 1949 to settle and raise 3 children: Janet, Joan and Jerry.  

Elsie was one of the founding members of the DAV Auxiliary William F Speel #18 of Appleton and a member of Riverview Evangelical Lutheran Church and served as a member of the Ladies Aide.  She worked at the Appleton Area School District and St. Elizabeth Hospital until her early retirement in 1979.  Elsie was always ready for an adventure and up for a good time. Her and John enjoyed traveling to many places from the east coast to the west coast and Hawaii.

Elsie loved to walk.   You could find her walking around Reid Municipal Golf Course often, meeting a friend halfway and waving to the neighbors as she walked by.  She was a big supporter of her grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ school and sporting events and especially loved attending their baseball games.  While Elsie was at home, she meticulously maintained her yard, tending to her flowers and watching and feeding the birds.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and could be found in the kitchen preparing a meal or baking for a holiday celebration.

Elsie was strong-willed.   When she set her mind on doing something, it was going to get done with or without help.  She never complained and was always there to lend a helping hand.   When her husband John got sick, Elsie became his caregiver until his passing on January 20, 1995, leaving behind cherished memories of their time together.  She was a loving caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother who will be in our hearts forever.

Elsie is survived by her 3 children, Janet (Richard) Luebke of Ladysmith, WI;  Joan Guyette of Appleton, WI; and Jerry (Laurie) Schneider of Appleton, WI.  7 Grandchildren: Kelly (Michael) Lavin, Rick Luebke, Henry Guyette, Heather (Josh) Heisler, Kyle (Amanda) Schneider, Chrissy (Matt) Haldiman, and Mark (Lacey) Schneider.   12 Great Grandchildren: Jessie Luebke; Mariah Guyette; Maddie, Josie, and Allie Heisler; Brinley, Macey, and Riley Schneider; Gia and Ace Haldiman; and Justin and Bode Schneider.  She will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.  

She was preceded in death by her husband Justin “John” Schneider; her parent’s son-in-law, Michael Guyette; and all her siblings.

A funeral service will be held for Elsie at 12:30 PM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Riverview Evangelical Lutheran Church, 136 W Seymour Street, Appleton, WI, with the Reverend Wagner officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 AM until the time of service.  Elsie will be laid to rest with her husband, Justin at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton following the service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Riverview Evangelical Lutheran Church in honor of Elsie’s wishes.  

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Care Partners Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice and all others who touched her life.  Your care, commitment, and compassion will always be treasured.

Elsie had a good life and will be remembered for her kindness and the love she shared with her family and friends. We will miss you - until we meet again.