Source: Osgood Journal
Issue: January 27, 2009

Abe Schneider

Funeral services are set for Abe Schneider, 100, of Osgood, who passed away Sunday, January 25, 2009, at the Hospice of South Central Indiana, Columbus. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 28 from 4-8 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles, with Masonic services at 8 p.m.

The funeral will be held Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Rev. Don Buck of the First Baptist Church of Osgood, officiating. Burial will be in the Vernon Cemetery.

Mr. Schneider was born in Novograd Volinsk, Russia on April 15, 1908, the son of Ben and Ida Raphael Schneider. He was married to Myrtle Stout on June 15, 1935, and she preceded him in death on November 5, 2003.

Survivors include a son, Ralph and wife Pat Schneider of Osgood; two daughters, Marcia Whisman of Columbus and Kathie Johnson of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Sherrill Cheda, his parents, son-in-law John Whisman, and his brothers Simon and Ralph Schneider.

Migrating from Russia where his father was mistreated because he was Jewish, Schneider said America was a great country where he pursued the dream. The Osgood businessman lived in war-torn Novograd Volinsk, Russia, until he was 13-years-old. Although Mr. Schneider had little formal education, he became a successful businessman. According to Ripley Publishing Co. files, he wasn’t given the opportunity of going to school in Russia. He said all he knew was war during that time. The teenager was put in the first grade at Osgood where he learned quickly, crediting the patience of his teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Schroder, and the friendship of his classmates, for his success. Mr. Schneider told reporters from the Ripley Publishing Co. he had lived the American dream by working hard. He started in the junk business at the age of 20, which was a side interest to his harness shop he also owned. He owned and operated a shoe repair store in Osgood for about 20 years. The junk business survived and is now Schneider’s Scrap Metal, operated by his son, Ralph and perhaps the oldest continuous business in Osgood. Living to be nearly 101, Schneider enjoyed good health right up until about a month before his death, according to his son, Ralph. When asked what he enjoyed at his 99th birthday celebration, he told the Osgood Journal, "As long as you can get around, you enjoy it." Mr. Schneider was a member of the Osgood United Methodist Church, a 77-year member of the Osgood Masonic Lodge, and the Ripley County Gideon Camp.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons, Osgood United Methodist Church, Hospice of South Central Indiana, or the Sherrill Cheda Scholarship of York University. All donations may be made through the funeral home.