Earl Schneider

**You can use this link to view the graveside funeral for Earl: https://youtu.be/wZGqUkgrTC0

Earl Louis Schneider, 95, Grand Forks, died Saturday, January 16, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on March 6, 1925 to Michael and Lillian (Fischer) Schneider. Most of his younger years were spent near Mt. Carmel, ND.  

Earl was extremely proud that he served his country in the US Army from 1943-1946.  He spent his 18th birthday on Guadalcanal.  At the age of 19, Earl was a Platoon Sergeant with 48 men in his care. Earl was proud to be one of North Dakota’s oldest Veterans, and honored to have his picture  on the Veterans Wall in the new Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Forks.  

Earl started in the TV business in 1960.  He was operating Triangle Phillips 66 gas station in downtown GF,  when along with gas,  he began selling and renting TV’s out of one of the car service bays. This started Dakota TV and Appliance, which has been Earl’s pride for over 60 years.  His passion was building relationships with  long term customers.  He enjoyed working side by side with his son, Greg, and two grandsons, Toby and Andy.  Earl retired for many years, yet his heart and loyalty was always to Dakota TV.  After retirement he resumed working at the store where he was called the “Top Cat”.  He was certainly known for his sharp mind, being frugal, telling stories, following routines, being organized, and visiting with customers. He continued to work until his passing. 

Earl was a sports enthusiast and passed this interest on to the family.  He was inducted into the ND Bowlers Hall of Fame. Golfing with friends and family was always his favorite pastime. Earl took lots of pride in watching his son, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren participate in sports.

Earl was married to Maxine Thomason in 1959 until her passing in 1997.  As proud as Earl was of Dakota TV, his pride and joy was his family.  He was delighted by and devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He worked hard and unselfishly to make our lives better.  We thank him for all the life lessons he taught us, and the legacy he left.   

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings-spouses, daughter Pamela West, stepson Richard Carlson, and great granddaughters  Adley Anne and Ada Anne Schneider.  He is survived by his son Greg (Kathy), son in law Bill West, grandchildren Heidi Schneider (Kris Green), Toby (Holly) Schneider, Andy (Heather) Schneider, Maggie (Ben) Thoreson, Abbey (Ted) Peterson, Bridget West, Natalie West, Beth Carlson, Carol Anderson, and his Dakota TV Family. Earl felt blessed to have 8, soon to be 9, great grandchildren:  Espen and Ruby Schneider, Will and Jack Schneider, Beck and Nora and Evie Thoreson, and Mara Peterson.  

A Private Family Service will be held later this Spring due to Covid.  Interment with military honors will be in Calvary North Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the family % Dakota TV, 2218 32nd Ave. South, GF, ND 58201.  The family will distribute the memorials locally to Earl’s favorite North Dakota Veteran Programs.