Kriene H. “Jack” Schneiderman, of Boise, ID, passed away June 15, 2011 at home surrounded by family. 

Jack was born in George, Iowa on February 7, 1940 at his family’s farm.  Third out of eight children, Jack was always the most precocious in the family providing many exciting times and laughter.  Jack graduated George High School in 1959, and immediately was drafted into the United States Army.  While in the Army, Jack became an excellent marksman competing throughout the country and winning awards.  After release from the Army, Jack worked in many places until he met his wife, Gwendolyn, in Florida in 1966.  After a short courtship, Jack and Gwen married July 1967 in Daytona Beach followed by the birth of their daughter later that year.  Once they started their family, all moved to Boise, Idaho in 1968 and were blessed again with the birth of their son in 1969.  

Jack proudly raised his family in Boise working several jobs, but had his longest career as a welder at Motive Power, Inc., formerly known as Morrison Knudson Railroad Division.  Jack retired in 2001 after 27 years of service to explore new adventures.  Shortly after retirement, he took ski lessons at Bogus Basin Ski Resort and began to rip up the slopes for 10 years.  At the time of his death, he was an expert skier with many exciting experiences.  Bogus Basin became a treasured part of Jack’s life and he would often take drives to the summit to show visiting family and friends his new gem.  Jack was a believer in Jesus, and often reminded his family and friends of God’s plan.  He appreciated the beauty the mountains provided, and thanked God every day. 

In addition to skiing, Jack enjoyed special times with each of his six grandchildren taking them fishing in the local waters, hiking in the desert and playing at his home.   His boyish personality was a hit with all the children as he shared many times of laughter, playing games and eating bowls of ice cream.  Often times, the youngest grandchild would remind Jack that he needed to behave or they would both be in trouble.   

In 2010, Jack was diagnosed with colon cancer which shook the family deeply.  Jack remained positive and focused reminding his family frequently that there were many great things waiting for him in Heaven.  His belief in the afterlife kept him at peace even after his re-diagnosis this April.  He was willing to fight as long as it would take as he knew his family was not ready for him to leave.  The cancer was too aggressive, and after a family weekend in McCall in early June, Jack slipped away. 

Jack is preceded in death by parents Helmer and Gertrude Schneiderman of George, IA, and his sister Hilda Fick of Sioux Falls, SD.  He is survived by wife Gwen, daughter Jeanie Thomas (Scott Haskell), son Matthew Schneiderman (Shawna) and his six grandchildren:  Autumn, Bethanny, Cassidy, Caleb, Dacia, and Trystin.  All reside in the Boise Area.  In addition, Jack is survived by brothers Harold (JoAnn) and Richard (Judy) of Magnolia, MN; Tony of George, IA;  JoAnne McKim (Dana) of Savage, MN; Glenda (Art) Lorenz of Albuquerque, NM; Judy of Sioux City, IA and brother-in-law Don Fick, Sioux Falls, SD. 

Special thanks to Dr. Benjamin Bridges, Dr. Ron Dorn and the staff of St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute for their compassion and professionalism over the last two months.  Jack really appreciated their bedside manner and honesty as he was fighting this battle.  Another special thank you to Lisa Ahrens, a special friend who  graciously photographed our family in Jack’s  last days. 

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