William Robert Schnieders, or "Bob," to anyone not seated behind a reception desk, was born in Crafton, Pennsylvania on August 21, 1944.  While Bob did not believe that college was for him, he was inspired by a Guidance Counselor to transition his love of automobiles into a High School Teaching Certificate.  Still not certain about the college path, Bob took 21 credit hours per semester and graduated with his degree in three years.  He worked midnights, unloading shipping freight and refurbishing cars, to pay his tuition.

Immediately after graduation, Bob drove to Buffalo, New York, to convince Elaine Reagan that she should drop everything and marry him.  That launched a 55-year love affair that lasted until his death on January 25, 2022.

Bob and Elaine wed and moved to Michigan for his first teaching position.  While Bob was unsure about his love for learning, he absolutely loved teaching.  He once said that he would have retired from the classroom had he not taken a job in school administration.  Fortunately, for the countless people he mentored and influenced, Bob had the courage to leave a career he did not enjoy, and start a training company, from a small steel desk in the basement of his home in 1979.  Today, EDSI employs nearly 1,000 people in more than 80 locations.

Bob would only want to be remembered as the devoted husband of Ann Elaine Schnieders.  She was always in his heart and never far from his side.  He would also want you to know him as the dedicated father to William Robert (Rob) Schnieders Jr (Andrea Needlman), the late Michael Brendan Schnieders, Kevin Blane Schnieders (Wendy Schnieders), Erin Martinez-Gilliard (Chris Gilliard), and the joyful Papa to Benjamin Patrick Schnieders, Molly Clare Schnieders, Calisto Martinez, Lauren Mackenzie Schnieders, and Riley Grace Schnieders.

Bob was a blur of constant energy, motion, and hard work.  He accomplished so much and always showed up for those he loved when they needed him most.  We will remember him as a great man, with a broad smile, who shared kindness and laughter with all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Joe Smith, and his brothers, Christopher William Schnieders (Michelle Schnieders), and William Bernard Schnieders (Colleen Schnieders), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Please click the following link if you wish to leave a special memory you have of Bob. KudoBoard

Donations in Bob's name can be made to St. Anselm Parish 17650 Outer Dr., Dearborn Heights, MI 48127