Nick Charles Schneider died Feb. 13, 2023, at the Moose Lake Village in Moose Lake. He was born Jan. 3, 1929, to Charles Anthony and Cecelia Marie (Burgraff) Schneider in Cloquet.
Nick spent the first 11 years of his childhood in Cloquet prior to moving to Alborn with his family. Upon graduating from Alborn High School, he began his studies of art at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Nick was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Following his honorable discharge, he was united in marriage to Mildred Marie (Anderson) Schneider on June 27, 1953, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Meadowlands.
Nick maintained an active faith throughout his life, serving as a church council member, reader, and trustee for 40 years. The couple moved to the family homestead near Aerie Lake and were blessed with four children. In 2018, Nick returned to Cloquet and became part of the community at Suncrest and a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
Nick was an active member of his community, serving as an Alborn township treasurer, clerk, and board member for 40 years. He founded the fire department and served as fire warden for 40 years. He also participated in the Eagles, VFW, DAV, and Moose Lodge. Nick was a member of the Maintenance of Way Union and worked at DM&IR, finishing his career as a maintenance supervisor at the time he retired in 1982.
He enjoyed 42 years of retirement filled by refining his skills in crappie fishing, deer hunting, gardening and tinkering, also serving as Alborn’s go-to guy for handyman needs. Nick’s passion for art carried through his life in various forms, from sign painting and calligraphy to taxidermy and even sewing. Nick was a joke teller extraordinaire with a great sense of humor. His family will always remember his ability to organize the most rambunctious group with a simple clearing of his throat.
Nick is survived by children, Linda (Tom) Mascotti, Charlotte (John) Francoeur, Amy Childs and John (Gayle) Schneider; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marlene Anderson; and many other relatives and friends, including the Suncrest Community.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Milly; grandson, Justin Schneider; sons-in-law, Gary Erickson and Paul Bunte; his parents; six siblings; and countless extended family members.
Memorial visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, with a 6:30 p.m. Rosary service. Visitation continues at 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 18 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet. Military honors will be accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard.
Spring burial will be held at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To sign an online registry, please visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.
Pine Knot News March 3, 2023