Jim Schneider

Watch Jim's Recorded Funeral Service 

James L. Schneider, 73, of Gettysburg, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg with his wife, Ladonna, by his side. 

A prayer service will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at CC- (American Legion Annex), Gettysburg with visitation one-hour prior. A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 11, 2025, CC-, Gettysburg SD, with Rev. Tom Penrod presiding.  Lew Robbennolt will present the message.  Military honors will be presented.  There will be lunch served following the service by the Emmanuel Lutheran Church women.

James Leonard Schneider was born October 12, 1951, to Leonard G. and Nohra (Natchke) Schneider at Holy Infant Hospital, Hoven, SD.

Jim graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1969.  He answered his call to service with the US Army beginning February 10, 1971.  He was stationed in Germany where he served with Jerry Becks who became a forever friend.  On January 31, 1973, Jim was honorably discharged.

On September 30, 1977, Jim was united in marriage with Neida L. Hageman.  Their children include Patrick J., Tina R., Jason D., and Angela N. Neida was called to heaven on January 19, 1993, following a fatal battle with breast cancer.

On November 17, 1995, Jim was united in marriage with Ladonna (Erikson) Hageman.

Jim was a member of the American Legion Post #135 in Gettysburg, SD.  He served as Commander for two terms.  He was actively involved in the annual American Legion Walleye Tournament for several years

After his military service, Jim farmed.  He was instrumental in bringing no till farming to this area.  He spent the majority of his life living in Gettysburg.

Jim was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in April of 2010.  At that time, he was forced to retire from farming.  He continued to manage the farming operation for several years following.

South Dakota winters did not serve Jim’s disease well, Jim and Ladonna began traveling to Cocoa Beach, FL and later purchased a winter home in Merritt Island, FL.  During the 10 years of owning the winter home, they were blessed with many family members and friends who spent time visiting.

In June of 2013 Jim received a bilateral lung transplant.  His journey down the transplantation road was a challenging roller coaster.  However, Jim and Ladonna were able to travel.  Two of the most memorable trips were with Jerry and Maureen Becks, Stevie and Mary Kidd and Randy and Marian Roberts, all of Green Bay.  The group made their first adventure together to Alaska where they were able to view Mt. Denali two days in a row.  The second group trip was to Cuba.  That was positively a once in a lifetime experience.

In April of 2019, Jim suffered a stroke.  He had many challenges, but the stroke seemed to be the beginning of his decline.  June of 2024, the family was forced to move Jim from his hospital bed to the Avera Oahe Manor.  The following months were a struggle until his call to heaven on March 26, 2025.

Survivors include his wife, Ladonna; children; Patrick (Mel) Schneider, Gettysburg, Tina Schneider, Pierre, and Angela (Eric) Hotz, Sioux Falls; Ladonna’s children; Michelle (Al) Castor and Michael (Angie) Hageman; grandchildren: Madi Alexander, Addison and Emmaree Hotz, Alison Castor, Alex Castor, Amber Castor, Hannah Hageman, Abby Hageman and Grace Hageman; siblings: Mick “Snipe” (Dianne) Schneider, Patsy Bennett, Dan Schneider and Bob Schneider and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends share this loss.

He was preceded in death by parents: Leonard G. and Norha (Natchke); wife, Neida L.; son, Jason D.; nephew, Tim Bennett and Kerry Schneider; and his grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, monetary memorials will be distributed to Gettysburg First Responders 510 W Garfield Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442 and Avera@Home, 606 E Garfield Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442. 

Special thanks go out to Gettysburg First Responders, Potter County Sheriff, Avera Missouri River Health Center, Avera Oahe Manor, Shannon Stuwe for the dedicated home health and hospice care, the many visits with Rev. Tom Penrod of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Luce Funeral Home.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Jim’s arrangements.