Kirk Elvin Schneider

Kirk Elvin Schneider entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 12, 2026, after months of surgeries and a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. He passed peacefully at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton, WI, surrounded by God’s grace and the love of his family.

Born in Milwaukee on August 5, 1950, to Elvin and Delores Schneider, Kirk grew up in Oak Creek and attended Oak Creek High School where he excelled in football and track. After graduation, he earned an associate degree in police science at Milwaukee Area Technical College and started his career as a police officer and crime prevention investigator for the St. Francis Police Department faithfully serving the community for 12 years. During this time, he attended Marquette University, earning his bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and completing post‑graduate work. Even then, his desire to invest in others was evident—he coached youth football for many years, hoping to shape young men not only in sport but in character.

In 1984, Kirk moved to the Fox Valley and became a firearms specialist at Fox Valley Technical College. As a firearms and criminal justice instructor, he was honored to train future police officers for the next 22 years. He led statewide training as Wisconsin departments transitioned from revolvers to semiautomatics and authored the curriculum adopted by the State of Wisconsin. It was during his years at FVTC that he met his wife, Diana— the love of his life and a blessing he often said God hand‑picked just for him.

After retiring from law enforcement education, Kirk spent 12 years managing three golf courses. Believing retirement might finally be settling in, he tried the quiet life—briefly. Wanting to stay active and serve wherever he could, he joined Tri‑City Glass, happily spending a few hours each day sweeping and breaking down Styrofoam and cardboard, earning the affectionate nickname “Cardboard.” He approached even simple tasks with joy, gratitude, and a servant’s heart.

In is earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycle trips around the country. He was a gifted and animated storyteller, known for sharing vivid, humorous tales of his adventures—always with a twinkle in his eye and an appreciation of God’s creation. He loved Superman and Gunsmoke, Friday night fish fries and Culver’s chocolate malts, and he NEVER missed a Wisconsin State Fair—except this year. In fact, his family is certain he is enjoying a state fair cream puff in Heaven right now. He loved to cook and grill and was known for his chili and grilled cheese sandwiches. And Kirk loved to make endless Black Friday runs while Diana decorated the house for Christmas creating a home filled with warmth and joy.

One of his greatest joys in later years was meeting the “old coots” for coffee every morning at The Diner on Wisconsin Avenue—fellowship he cherished deeply.

Kirk’s faith was the foundation of his life. As a member of Fox Valley Church, he coordinated the ushers ministry for 15 years. He took a daily walk with God—literally and spiritually—missing only a few days in six years. He cherished his small group and lived out his faith with quiet consistency, humility, and devotion.

Kirk was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Corrine and Debbie. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and his devoted wife of 34 years, Diana. He often said he was put on this earth to make her life as happy as possible—and he lived that calling every day with Christlike love.

We rejoice that Kirk is now whole, healed, and home with Jesus, and we give thanks for the life he lived so faithfully.

The family would like to express thanks for the compassionate and wonderful nursing staff at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Their gentle and respectful care of Kirk, and the unwavering support to us during Kirk's last moments, meant the world to us. Thank you for being there when we needed you most. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Kirk found great comfort in holding the cross while he was walking his final journey. In lieu of flowers, donations will go towards comfort crosses for patients in the ICU at St. Elizabeth’s.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Fox Valley Church, 1200 W. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly, WI. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m., and a memorial service will be at 4:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed live at the following link.

2 Timothy 4:7–8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”

Kirk lived these words with quiet strength, daily devotion, and unwavering faith. His walk with God shaped his character, his service, his love for others, and the joy he carried into every day.