Paul W. Schneider

Paul W. Schneider, 69, of Dakota Dunes, SD died Thursday, July 11, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. 

A visitation will be held at 2:00 P.M Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Sioux City Country Club, 4001 Jackson St., with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 3:00 P.M. All are welcome to the visitation and celebration.

Paul was born December 4, 1954, to Otto and Marian (Karlson) Schneider in Cherokee, IA. The family moved to Sioux City in 1965 where Paul graduated from North High School in 1973. He attended Iowa State University and Devry Institute of Technology. Paul married Kerry Wilen of Sioux City in 1988.

Instilled with an entrepreneurial spirit through his upbringing, Paul was involved in many business ventures in Siouxland including Weller Plastics, Airways Services, and Gerkin Windows and Doors. Paul and Kerry lived in Arizona for about 12 years where Paul had private aviation services companies and a door manufacturing company. They then moved to Dakota Dunes where they lived for the last 20 years. Paul retired from Gerkin in 2019.

In retirement Paul enjoyed spending time with his wife at his cabin at Ten Mile Lake, MN, where he had also spent many summers with his family while growing up. In winter they enjoyed warmth and family in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Paul liked working with his hands, golf, and adventurous “boys’ toys” like his hydroplane at Ten Mile Lake and learning to fly ultra-light aircraft. He could also bake up a mean batch of Swedish rye bread from scratch. Music was a passion for Paul, and he got great joy from finding songs and artists that he thought others would like and sharing them with scores of friends.

With a gift for being in tune with the things that are truly important in all aspects of life, Paul stayed true to himself and was never swayed by fad or convention. He was known for, and proud of his unwavering work ethic throughout his life.

Paul was humble, generous, kind, had a quiet strength and always delighted others with his unexpected humor. Strong love and loyalty for family and friends were his anchor.

Paul was a beloved husband, brother, son, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his mother Marian, and his father Otto. 

Survivors include his wife Kerry of Dakota Dunes; brother Steve (Julie) Schneider of Dakota Dunes, brother-in-law Steve Wilen, sister-in-law Kris Brown, both of Dakota Dunes; nine nieces and nephews and nine grandnieces and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paul can be made to the The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741; or online at give.michaeljfox.org.