Joseph Francis Schniers

Joseph Francis Schniers, 77, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2011 in Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born August 7, 1934 in Miles, Texas to Joseph F. and Emma Ullrich Schniers. Joe was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, a member of Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of Crossroads Gun Club. He was a farmer and operated Schniers & Sons Construction with his two sons, Duane and Curtis. His greatest joy in life was going to work every morning with his sons, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. On November 11, 1958 Joe married Deanna Kasberg, who preceded him in death April 23, 1980. He married Clare Droll Fischer on June 16, 1984 at St. Joseph Church in Rowena.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, C. J. Buxkemper.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Clare of Rowena; his sons, Duane Schniers and wife, DeeDee of Paint Rock, and Curtis Schniers and wife, Patty, of Miles; his step-children, Sandra Halfmann and husband, Mike, of Olfen; Janice Travis and husband, Tim; Charles Fischer and wife, Natalie; Alton Fischer, Jr. and wife, Lisa; Ken Fischer and wife, Amy, all of Ballinger; and James Fischer and fiancée, Amber Bateman, of San Angelo. Also surviving are grandchildren, Joseph, Austin and Lorie Kaye Schniers; Bradley and Leslie Schniers; step-grandchildren, Jessica King; Lori Chandler and husband, Jeff; Stacy Taylor and husband Clint; Amy Nixon and husband, Lance; Kelly Clifton and husband, Brandon; Tucker Travis; Jeannie, Jennifer and Julie Fischer; Zac, Joshua, and Kelsey Fischer; Matthew, Jeremy, and Rusty Fischer; step-great-grandchildren Katy, Hannah, and Halley Nixon; and Georgia Chandler. Surviving brothers and sisters are Nadine Buxkemper, Wilfred Schniers and wife, Lorene, and Dorothy Frenzel and husband, Bennie, all of Rowena. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, October 21 at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 22 at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Church with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Building Fund or to the American Cancer Society.