Ralph Schneider

Ralph Schneider, 64, of Brookfield, WI passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026 after a long battle with kidney failure. Ralph is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Schneider, his four children Abby Beattie (Mark), Nathan Schneider, Rachel Olsen (Nick), and Ethan Schneider, as well as siblings Tom Schneider and Ann Johnson (Jim) and three cherished grandsons, Jackson Stein, Luke Beattie, and Graham Olsen. He is also lovingly remembered by his 9 nieces and nephews and 4 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was born December 20, 1961 to John and Barbara Schneider, graduated from Brookfield East High School (class of 1980), worked for years in local factories such as AO Smith before ultimately settling into his career at the Elmbrook School District, where he worked in the facilities department as a custodian from 1993-2019.

Ralph was a backwoodsman and historian at heart, frequently complaining that he was “born in the wrong era.” He was fiercely convicted in his beliefs and opinions, but truly was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father, husband, brother, friend, uncle, co-worker… the list goes on. He took the time to get to know the people in his life, from the administration at the elementary school where he worked, his fellow civil war reenactors, his children’s friends and neighbors, to the local grocery store produce managers. He sought connection and nearly always found it, and left people better than he found them.

He brought his family and friends along to experience his passions – for someone who claimed to enjoy solitude, he nearly always surrounded himself with community. He taught his family to treasure spending time up north at the family property, being involved in local history, traveling to state parks, fishing, reading, learning, listening to music and most importantly, playing (he reminded us often to never grow up, never stop playing). Ralph was an exceptionally talented public speaker and storyteller, and this was often his way of entertaining the room and connecting with others. Even when the story had already been told, he genuinely captured the attention of all with his wit and relatability. Ralph was the person you eagerly anticipated around the campfire – it wasn’t a party until he joined.

Ralph was equally at peace commanding a battlefield as he was while quietly painting detailed toy soldiers. He was simple yet complex, always ready with a smirk. He leaves a legacy with his family and friends, having provided endless amounts of life lessons and anecdotes. He was an incredibly clever, funny, influential and intelligent man, and there will never be another like him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1^st, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, located at 12801 W Fairmount Ave, Butler, WI 53007. Visitation will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm, Mass will be held at 12:00pm, and lunch reception to immediately follow. Burial will be scheduled later with immediate family at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI.

Ralph’s family is inviting guests to bring their own photos or notes to add to a special display board at the funeral service, to remain with the family. Thank you.

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On his deathbed in 1863, General Stonewall Jackson said to one of his men, “Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.” These were the words of a man prepared both to live and to die.

In the last moments of life a smile came across Stonewall’s face and he quietly said, “Let us cross over the river and rest beneath the shade of the trees.” And so he did.