Clair C. Schnieders

Clair Schnieders, age 94 of Cozad, passed away July 23, 2013 at the Golden Living Care Center in Cozad. Clair was born July 13, 1919 at Harington, Nebraska to John and Barbara (Bonertz) Schnieders. He attended District 82 School in Cedar County, Nebraska. In December of 1940, Clair entered the U.S. Army where he served in WWII. Not long after his discharge in 1945, Clair moved to North Platte where he opened the Central Bar. In 1961, Clair married Rosemary Graf in Loup City, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Cozad shortly thereafter. They eventually established Clair’s Liquor Store on 7th street, but ultimately ended up relocating to a location on south Meridian. In addition to the liquor store, Clair also drove a cement truck for Paulsen Inc. for a number of years. In March of 1983, Rosemary passed away. Not long after losing Rosemary, Clair decided to close the store and retire. Clair was a longtime member of Christ The King Catholic Church in Cozad. He was devout in his faith and attended daily mass for many years, even opening the church in the mornings. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW. Clair always seemed to have fun in life, even into his later years. When spending time with family, it wasn’t uncommon for him to be the last one to go to bed. He enjoyed watching Husker football and was an avid poker player. Clair was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and 12 siblings, William, Irene Collins, Hugo, Juliana Weinandt, Annie Schnieders, Adeline Fischer, Edward, Lester, Ralph, Donald, Rita Schnieders and Molly Schnieders. Survivors include his brother, Paul (Dorothy) Schnieders of Randolph; 2 sisters-in-law, Ruth Schnieders of Storm Lake, IA, Louise Schnieders of Fremont; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Christ The King Catholic Church in Cozad with Father Don O’Brien as celebrant. Burial with military honors will be in the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.