Stephen "Steve" Schneider

Stephen “Steve” Schneider, of Prior Lake, passed away May 30, 2025 at the age of 81. He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 – 10:45 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church (16400 Duluth Ave SE) in Prior Lake. Mass can be livestreamed through St. Mike's Youtube.  Father Tom Walker will preside, and Steve's family will act as urn bearers. Steve will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Everyone is invited to wear Maroon & Gold in honor of Steve.

Stephen Charles Schneider was born to parents, Arnold & Evelyn (Nelson) Schneider on May 1, 1944. He was raised in Willmar and was the youngest of three children. Steve grew up surrounded by family and a deep love of baseball that would shape much of his early life.

A 1962 graduate of Willmar High School, Steve went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where he played shortstop for the Golden Gophers. His talent and dedication helped lead the team to a College World Series championship in 1964. Steve earned a degree in Industrial Arts and later pursued further education at Mankato, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.

Steve's baseball journey continued as he played professionally for the California Angels organization, spending four years in the minor leagues. Though his playing days eventually came to an end, his passion for the game never waned. After leaving baseball, Steve explored several professional paths, including teaching for a time in Prior Lake. In 1979, he purchased a water conditioning business, which he proudly owned and operated for over 30 years.

During his college years, Steve also served in the Army Reserves for six years, a testament to his sense of duty and commitment.

Steve’s life was full of love and family. He became a devoted father to Jarrod and later welcomed his daughter Natalie. Steve eventually found love when he met Kathy Winch through a mutual friend. Together, they lived on a lake for 11 years, enjoying boating, golfing, travel, and a shared love of cats. They later moved to the countryside in Lydia, where Steve spent countless hours in his beloved “Garage Mahal”—his sanctuary for woodworking, tinkering, and transforming scraps into beautiful creations.

He was especially proud of his cottage on Green Lake in Spicer—a special place where memories were made with family and friends.

Steve was a kind, gentle, and strong-willed man, known for being both opinionated and tender-hearted. A self-proclaimed “putzer,” he had a gift for restoring and creating. He was also a collector, always finding value in the overlooked and discarded.

Above all, Steve loved his five grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity to spend time with them in Arizona and Alabama. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched—with his quiet strength, sense of humor, and enduring love.

Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Schneider; children, Jarrod (Dana) Schneider and Natalie Little; grandchildren, Baylee & Adam Schneider, Cole, Cade & Camden Little; sister, Julie Moisan; sister-in-law, Leona Schneider; other loving relatives and many dear friends.