Fred Richard Schneider

Fred Richard Schneider, of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024. He is reunited with the love of his life, Rita Schneider. He had just turned 81 years old. He is survived by his three children, John (Catherine) Schneider, Matthew Schneider and Annie (Patrick) Kelly; his four grandchildren, Esmee Schneider, Rowan, Ryder, and Ellena Kelly; his brother-in-law, Clarke Fletcher and sister-in-law, Martha Copeland.

Fred was born in Lake Jackson, TX on March 25, 1943. Fred knew at the age of 11 that he wanted to be a lawyer. He attended Drake University for his undergraduate studies and planned going back East for law school. Those plans changed when he met the love of his life, Rita, his Sophomore year at Drake. Fred and Rita were married at the end of his Junior year. Fred had taken enough credits to skip what would have been his Senior year and decided to go straight to law school at Drake. Following a successful law school career in which Fred was named to the Order of the Coif and won awards for excellence in individual law course, he graduated from law school and went on to serve as a law clerk to Roy L. Stephenson, US District Judge Court for the Southern District of Iowa. After his clerkship, Fred joined the firm of Williams & Hart. When the firm reorganized, Fred became a partner with the firm Williams, Hart, Lavorato & Kirtley. Then, in May of 1978, Fred, Bill Smith and Bill Stiles formed the firm Smith, Schneider & Stiles, which became Schneider, Stiles, Serangeli & Mountsier. In 2011 the members of that firm, including Fred, joined the firm of Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagan, P.C. Fred loved being a lawyer and devoted his professional life to law until he retired in 2018.

In his free time, Fred enjoyed tennis at Des Moines Golf and Country Club and later in life he and Rita took up golf. Fred was a dedicated and loving caregiver to his beloved wife, Rita, during her battle with Alzheimer's disease. Fred continued his friendships and Thursday night dinners with friends after Rita's passing. Fred was an epic event planner, highlighted by the many ski trips he took his family on. He was also a master at surprises. At his daughter’s wedding, he surprised everyone with an appearance by Chubby Checker to teach the bride and groom Fred and Rita's favorite dance, “The Twist.”

Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2024 at Fire Creek, 800 S. 50th Street in West Des Moines, IA. Fred will be buried at Jordan Cemetery beside his wife Rita.

Fred’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the amazing, loving, compassionate staff at Edgewater Assisted Living Facility who provided outstanding care.

Condolences of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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