Karl M. Schneider

“Mike” as he was known by was born on May 22, 1939, in Marquette. He attended Marquette Public School and was a lifelong resident. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl A. and Ada Louise (Siewart) Schneider, and his sister Nancy. Mike was very proud of his Marquette Community and loved everything from the abundant nature to the people of the Upper Peninsula.

Mike retired in 1995 from the Presque Isle Power Plant where he had been employed for close to 30 years as a heavy equipment operator.

He had a passion for sailing and from his dock at the lower Lake Superior harbor in Marquette, sailed his 40 foot boat all the way to the Caribbean, to Costa Rica, and many other destinations over the years. In his younger days he enjoyed cutting wood, fishing, and adventures in Alaska.

In 2012, Mike married his love Vilai “Addy” (Vonpian) Schneider. Their daily routine started with morning coffee with a group of lifelong friends at Hardee’s. They were back at home in time to see “The price is Right,” and then Mike and Addy spent their days enjoying their yard where they grow fruit trees and have vegetable and flower gardens. They took a daily hike together, and often enjoyed drives around the lake. Mike especially enjoyed the various species of birds visiting their feeders and in addition to the raccoons and skunks he didn’t mind feeding, the chipmunks would sit on his lap and eat out of his hand.

In addition to traveling to Thailand together, Mike and Addy spent the winter in Florida. They enjoyed growing papayas, oranges, and bananas in their gardens there. They purchased a 1961 Chevy Corvair at a junk yard and completely refurbished it for a fun hobby. They traveled around to car shows and won several antique car trophies. Mike was a member of an antique car group, the Eagles, the Moose Lodge, and the Marquette Fish Dock Board of Directors. He enjoyed close relationships with lifelong friends and extended family members that meant so much to Mike.

Mike is survived by his wife Addy; daughters, Shayla (Michael) Seymour of Escanaba and Debbie (Alan) Cast of Oregon; 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 3 step children; his sister Ann Beaudry of Marquette; and an especially close step son, Mark Berry of Big Bay.

The family has planned a memorial service to be announced at a later date.

The Canale -Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com