Mary Flavian Schneider, age 101, of Carroll, died Sunday, August 20, 2023 at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Holy Spirit Church – St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Fr. Merlin Schrad. Con-Celebrant and Homilist will be Fr. Harold Schneider. Music will be by Kathy Halbur. Lectors will be Megan Nielsen, Ginger Girrens, Lauren Morey, and Jenny Gaudlip. Gift Bearers will be Mary’s daughters: Pat, Theresa, Julie, and Cheryl. Eucharistic Ministers will be Rick and Jane Boes. Casket Bearers will be Shane Schneider, Bruce Smith, Jeff Green, Mike Boes, Adam Schweers, and Josh Burkett. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5-7p.m. on Tuesday, at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. The Carroll Catholic Daughters of the Americas will lead a rosary at 7p.m. The casket will be moved to Holy Spirit Church on Wednesday morning where visitation will resume from 9:30-10:15a.m.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for Mary’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Mary Flavian (Launderville) Schneider who was the matriarch of the Schneider and Launderville families and a cherished mother, homemaker, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away on August 20, 2023, at the age of 101. She was born on a farm 4 miles south of Vail, Iowa, on February 13, 1922. Mary’s life was a testament to love, faith, family, and community.
She attended country school until the 8th grade and later graduated from St. Ann’s Academy in 1940. On June 4, 1940, Mary married the love of her life, Wilfred “Bill” Schneider, from Olpe, Kansas. They had 9 children and built a life together farming in Olpe for over 25 years where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.
In 1965, Bill and Mary moved to Carroll, Iowa, where Mary’s commitment to community flourished. She dedicated herself to volunteering, spending time at St. Anthony’s Hospital Auxiliary, working as a house mother for victims of domestic abuse, RSVP and Catholic Daughters of America. Mary’s caring nature extended to her involvement in the monthly newsletter mailing, ensuring that those in need were supported and connected.
Bill and Mary became the first residents of Orchard View Apartments in 1988 and Mary called it home for 30 years. Bill passed in 1993 after 53 years of marriage. Yet, Mary’s resilient spirit continued to shine. Mary was known for her love of people, her wonderful sense of humor, her warm hospitality, and her knack for entertaining. She had a special place in her heart for her family, valuing their company above all else.
Faith was at the forefront of Mary’s life. Her devotion to God was evident in all she did. From daily rosary and mass to setting a good example for all.
Mary’s joy for life was evident in her interests. She found camaraderie in numerous bridge clubs and was an avid volunteer. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children: Mary Pat (Dale) Smith of Marion, Kansas; Theresa (Bob) Myers of Adel, Iowa; Julie (Vern) Beachy of Carroll, Iowa; Cheryl (Jake) Burkett of St. Petersburg, Florida; Daughter-in-law Valarie Schneider of Lyons, Kansas; Son-in-law Rick (Jane) Boes of Carroll, Iowa, and Daughter-in-Law Janice Schneider of Glidden, Iowa.
Mary is proceeded in death by her husband Bill, her son Ronald, her daughter Marsha Boes, her sons Bill Jr. and Mark, infant son Gerald, grandson Matthew and her son-in-law Jerry Schweers. Mary’s legacy will be carried forward by her 28 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, 34 great-great-grandchildren, many nephews, nieces, and cousins, and all of whom will forever cherish her memory.
Mary’s life was one of devotion, love, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate Mary’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Carroll area Hospice and Alzheimer’s Association in Mary’s name. May her soul rest in peace.