Duane Alvin Schneider

Duane Alvin Schneider, 89, of Benton Harbor, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Duane was born on June 11, 1931, to August & Lora (Thumm) Schneider in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949. When Duane was younger, he worked on the family farm and in various home construction jobs before he was enlisted to serve in the United States Army. He proudly served his country from 1954 until being honorably discharged in 1956. On May 4, 1957, Duane married Betty Jean Couch and celebrated 53 years of marriage before her passing in 2010. Duane worked for Avion Coach for over 32 years, where he worked in various positions including Supervision Production Manager until the plant closed. He then worked for Senior Nutrition Services for over fourteen years. He often said, that he enjoyed every job he worked and gave them a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. Duane enjoyed, hunting, fishing and camping. He was an avid Tigers and University of Michigan fan. Duane was a charter member of the St. Joseph Township Lions club and won the Melvin Jones National Award. Duane is survived by his children, Lora (Gary) Spencer of St. Joseph, Tina (Charles Brattain) Schneider of Benton Harbor and Darren (Jennifer) Schneider of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Skyler, Kyra, Sage, Schyler, Carson, Collin and Tanner; siblings, Lawrence (Phyllis) Schneider, Don Schneider, Bob (Carolyn) Schneider and Kenneth Schneider; brother-in-law Milt Zoschke; many nieces and nephews; longtime friend Bruno Pahl and his loyal dog Sissy. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, August & Lora Schneider; sister Betty Zoschke; and sister-in-law Loretta Schneider. Duane’s family would like to thank his neighbors for their continuous support over the last few months, all the staff at Lakeland Cancer Center and Beth his home health nurse. A celebration of life service will be held 11AM, on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with his family on Wednesday, from 10AM until time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Township Lions Club, or the Senior Nutrition Services- Meals on Wheels, 1708 Colfax Ave., Benton Harbor, 49022. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.