Joseph Schneider

Joseph Lawrence Edwin "Joe" Schneider

Age 57, of Davison, MI, formerly of Dryden and Otter Lake, passed away on August 22, 2025, after a month-long battle with pancreatitis.

Joe was born in Flint, MI, on August 5, 1968, to Bette (Jenkins) and Larry Schneider. He was a proud father to his daughter, Alyssa Schneider of Dryden, who was the joy of his life.

Surviving are his beloved daughter, Alyssa Schneider of Dryden; his father, Larry Schneider, and wife Winnie of Ormond Beach, FL; his sisters, Lori Waugh of Port Orange, FL, Teresa (Don) Amman of Grand Blanc, Carrie (Gary) Collins of Fenton, Becky Doll of Englewood, FL; his brother, Jim (Ann) Schneider of Fenton; his special cousin, Scott Schneider; several nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bette (2012), and his sister, Kathy (2014).

From a young age, Joe's love for sports was evident. He started playing Little League baseball at age 4 and soon added bike racing to his list of passions. At 13, he won the International BMX Championship, filling his home with trophies that he later donated to Special Olympics. A 1986 graduate of LakeVille Memorial High School, Joe was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to play baseball at Mott Community College and later enjoyed competing in softball and baseball tournaments with teams across Michigan, creating lifelong friendships along the way.

Joe's career was spent in the metal recycling industry, where he eventually founded Rhino Recycling. Known for his hard work, generosity, and loyalty, he was respected by colleagues and loved by his community.

In 2021, Joe was diagnosed with suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) through the University of Michigan NeuroSports Program. Despite these challenges, he continued to live with courage, supported by his daughter, family, and lifelong friends.

In the months following Joe's 2021 diagnosis, the communities and friends he loved so dearly rallied around him. His LakeVille High classmates and friends came together to ensure he had the support he needed, even helping cover his rent while he navigated the disability process. His family and friends gave of themselves in countless ways, making it possible for him to live independently for as long as possible. You each know who you are. Joe was deeply touched by every act of kindness and generosity, and he never stopped expressing how grateful he was.

His final act of generosity was donating his brain and spinal column to the University of Michigan for CTE research, hoping to help future athletes.

Joe will be remembered for his big heart, sense of humor, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. He cherished time with his family, LakeVille High reunions, gatherings in Otter Lake, and the laughter that always filled the room when he was around.

Please join us to celebrate Joe's life on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1–5 p.m. at the Otisville Hotel. Burial at Otter Lake Cemetery will be announced at a later date for all who would like to attend.

We know Joe is now at peace in the loving presence of his Heavenly Father. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.