John Schneider Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John Arthur Schneider, a lifelong Topeka resident, passed away peacefully in his home on July 1, 2022. Devoted to his loved ones, John formed many friendships as a boy that endured his entire life. John was born in Topeka, Kansas, on October 2, 1950, to Arthur E. Schneider and Mary E. (Towle) Schneider. He had fond childhood memories of his large, extended Towle family. After graduating from Hayden High School in 1968, John served in the Kansas Air Force National Guard, from which he received an honorable discharge. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Washburn University. After completing his degree, he continued to audit courses of personal interest. John dedicated his professional career to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), where he held many positions, including Commissioner. During his tenure at SRS, John administered nutrition and food programs for families in need. After his retirement, John ran for public office in Shawnee County and enjoyed knocking on doors and talking to neighbors about how county government could be improved. During retirement, he also worked part-time at the Kansas Department of Transportation, administering federal highway safety programs. In his later years, John worked part-time jobs to remain social and physically active. Most recently, he worked delivering essential medication to homebound community members. John was on a lifelong journey to confront, repair, and eradicate generational trauma. For himself, his children, and grandchildren, John worked and persevered to dismantle inherited patterns that can cause harm. He did so by initiating difficult conversations, bravely addressing his own mental health, finding strength in groups with shared experiences, and never abandoning hope. John expressed his love openly, acknowledged his own shortcomings, expanded his worldview, embraced differences, and modeled a commitment to self-discovery. John enjoyed Broadway musicals, college sports, and traveling, particularly road trips. He loved nature, inviting birds into his yard with baths and feeders. Most importantly, John was dedicated to his family. Nothing was more important to him than his children and grandchildren, whom he loved spending time with at every opportunity. John is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry Schneider. He is survived by three children, Andrea Schneider (Mark Llamas) of Olathe, KS; Emily Pogozelec (Mike) of Lenexa, KS; and Eric Schneider (Sanjeev Singh) of Chicago, IL. John shared his loving children with his former wife, Teresa Nichols, with whom he maintained a warm and caring relationship. John was also previously married to Pat Wilden, with whom he also remained close. John is also survived by four grandchildren, Alex Nero, Jack Chansaviang, Cooper Chansaviang, and Troy Reedy-Schneider; and two great-grandchildren, Myah Nero and Shawn Nero. His sisters, Eileen Boogher and Mary (Boo) Schneider, also survive him. Visitation will take place Friday July 8 at 5:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home in Topeka. Inurnment at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Topeka’s Helping Hands Humane Society, where John adopted many loyal companions over the years. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

John Schneider

October 2, 1950 - July 1, 2022