Earl William "Bill" Schneider

Passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, with his family by his side, at the age of 95. He was born in Winona, Minnesota on August 25, 1918, to George B. and Ellen M. Schneider. He was the fourth of five children who all preceded him in death; Ruth, Dorothy, Ralph, and Lois. In 1920, the family moved to Sacramento, CA and purchased a small chicken ranch. Bill married Winnifred Evelyn Treffry in 1941. He served in both the Army and Navy during World War II and retired from the Army Reserves after 30 years of service. In 1946, he entered his career in banking with Bank of America holding positions in Dixon, Sacramento, Wheatland, Marysville, Madera, Sanger, Avenal, and Clovis. In 1962, he moved his family to Petaluma where he spent the rest of his banking career. In 1972, his wife Winnifred passed away. Bill was involved in many community activities; president of the Redwood Empire Campfire Girls, president of the Petaluma Boys Club, director of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Petaluma Hospital Board, treasurer of the Salvation Army, secretary and treasurer of the Petaluma Elks Hall, and a Rotary Club member. In 1974, Bill married Muriel Vivian Kelley. He retired as Vice President & Manager of the Petaluma branch of Bank of America in 1983. Upon retirement, Bill and Muriel sold their house, moved into their motor home and started traveling. After 3 years of full time travel, they covered all 48 continental states, as well as Canada and Nova Scotia. In 1989, they purchased a home in Sun City West, AZ where they spent their retirement years RVing and square dancing. In 2003, Muriel passed away. In 2006, Bill married Rachel Margaret Caylor, a long time family friend, and they were able to drive back to Nebraska to visit some of her family. In 2008, Rachel passed away and Bill moved back to Petaluma where he spent his remaining years. The family would like to thank Dr. James Leoni, Springfield Place and White Rose Manor for their friendship, kindness and wonderful care they provided to Bill. Bill was predeceased in death by Winnifred E. Schneider, his wife of 31 years. He is survived by his daughter Wendy (Jim) Wobensmith, his son William (Susan) Schneider, son-in-law Fredrick Arfsten, 4 granddaughters- Carrie Lee Malnati, Tammy (Miles) Christensen, Holly Anderson, Stacy Harrell (Michael Collins), 4 great grandchildren-Veronica Anderson, Emma and Ryan Christensen, Chance Collins. Bill was predeceased in death by Muriel V. Schneider, his wife of 29 years. He is survived by her children Susan (Edward) Haines, Victor (Roberta) Kelley, Peggy (Art) Weinschenk, 3 grandchildren- Shane (Shana) Kelley, Sean (Amanda) Kelley, Christie Haines, 4 great grandchildren- Brayden and Breanna Kelley and Marcus and Teralynn Kelley, his brother-in-law Sterling Eckhardt. Bill was predeceased in death by Rachel M. Schneider, his wife of 2 years. He is survived by her children Jill (Paul) Graves, Keith (Susan) Miller and family, Roger (Ellie) Miller and family. Per Bill's request there will be no service. Contributions in Bill's memory can be made to Hospice By The Bay, 190 West Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476, or the charity of your choice.