Rapid City- John G. "Jerry" Schneider, 98, died and went to heaven Saturday February 23rd, 2013 where his wife Jane has been waiting for him since her passing on November 20th, 2006. Jerry was born February 5th, 1915 in Dubuque, Iowa. He attended elementary, high school, and college in Dubuque. Jerry graduated in 1938 from Columbia/Loras College and went to work for AY McDonald Manufacturing Co. selling plumbing supplies. There he met the love of his life and future wife, Mary Jane Stapleton who was also an employee. They were soon married on April 26th, 1941 in Dubuque. From this union they had 4 children, Bill, Judy, Kris, and Rick. Jerry was drafted into the US Navy as an Ensign and was assigned to the USS Belleauwood Aircraft Carrier during WWII. After 20 months of service, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant J. G. Upon returning home to Dubuque, he went back to work for AY McDonald's, but soon moved on to work for Hilldale Dairy selling milk products to the local food stores. In 1961 Jerry went to work for LaCrosse Rubber Mills Co. as a sales representative, which was a perfect career choice given his outgoing personality. In 1963 he and Jane moved their family to Rapid City, SD in order to be more centrally located within his 5 state territory. He soon became the best salesman the company ever employed to no surprise to those who knew him. Jerry retired in 1981, and he and Jane moved to Sun City, Arizona where they made numerous friends and enjoyed life to the fullest. In the year 2000, he and Jane decided it was time to live closer to family so they moved back to Rapid City to the excitement of his daughter Kris. Jerry was a talented drummer. While living in Iowa he would play nights and weekends in local ballrooms and nightclubs. In the 1940's and 50's, he played with such bands as the "Bus Canfield Band" in Dubuque, and the "Dick Jurgens Band" in the Trianon Ballroom on Chicago's south side. Life without Jerry "Dad" will be a little more subdued, but the wonderful life we shared with he and Jane "Mom" will always be in our hearts. Survivors include three children: William "Bill" Schneider of Warner Springs, CA; Kris (Jim) Brekhus of Rapid City, and Richard "Rick" Schneider of Spokane, WA; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great- great-granddaughter; and one sister Margaret Ann Nelson, Burlington, Iowa. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his forever soul mate Jane, and his daughter Judy. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 am on Friday March 1st, 2013 at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. Timothy Castor presiding. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD with military honors provided by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the SD Army National Guard.