Frank Schnider

Born June 2, 1925 to Frank and Elsie Schnider, Frank worked on
the family's dairy farm as a young boy. He attended Thomas Grade School in Auburn, WA and Fife
High School. He was drafted into the Marines during his senior year
of high school and served in World War II, receiving the Purple Heart for Military Merit. In June of 1946, he met his wife, Dorothy Vandewalle, at the Century Ballroom in Fife. they married November 30, 1946. He couldn't have made a smarter choice! wherever you saw Frank, you saw Dorothy. They lived the first 20 years of their married life in Fife and had five children, Margaret, Glenna, Francine, Frankie and Mary. Frank was an active business owner in the Fife/Tacoma area beginning with the Fife Service Station and Fife Fuel Oil Company at "Old Fife Square", The Valley Tavern in Tacoma, ending with the Pacific Coast Mutual Oil Company located under the 11th Street Bridge in Tacoma. Of Swiss heritage, Frank,
at a young age, was a Schwinger.
He was a member of the Swiss Men's Society for 77 years. Frank was a Washington State Champion Wrestler in high school and in the early 50's, became a pro wrestler. In the summer of 1959, Frank an avid fisherman, ran a small salmon charter boat in Westport, WA. From 1959 to 1968 Frank owned and operated charter boats in Westport during the summer. Frank was an active member of Fife's Volunteer Fire Department and often told the story of when 
the department purchased the first fire truck. He was proud of the
fire departments accomplishments and the men who volunteered. Instrumental in the movement to incorporate Fife, as a member of
the first Fife Council, he promoted safe drinking water and waste management. He was the last of 
the original volunteer firefighters and the last living initial Fife councilmen. During his time in Westport, Frank was council member for the City of Westport and was once again instrumental in overseeing improvements to the water and waste management systems. In September of 2013, Frank was inducted into the Westport Hall of Fame. A picture of Frank with one of the largest salmon ever caught at Westport hangs in the Westport Museum. In 1980, Frank built the Coho, a 60 Ft Dragger, and joint fished with the Russians in Alaskan waters. In 1988, he and Dorothy moved to the Olympia area. Frank, a competitive trap shooter, frequented competition throughout the Southwest, where he won many awards. Frank traveled to South Dakota on an annual Pheasant hunting trip with his Swiss friends. After 20 years in Olympia area, Frank decided to return "home" to his "roots". He and Dorothy moved back to the Fife/Milton area in 2008 where their story began- 61 years earlier. Frank enjoyed life and lived each day to it's fullest. Never one to sit still for long, there was always something to do or someplace to go. When he could no longer drive, he gave up his treasured Durango for a Deluxe Burgundy Scooter. You may have seen him on a nice day riding to the Milton post office or watching the kids play at Surprise Lake Middle School. There are no words to fully describe Frank. His service to those who knew him, his sense of humor, his progressiveness in solving problems, his willingness to make things better, his positive attitude and love for family and friends cannot be measured. Those who have a known and loved him, for a life time or a short time, will remember a man like none other. He was truly a gift from God and a blessing to all. Frank died peacefully at the family home on Thursday, February 21, 2019. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Dorothy, of 72+ years; his daughters, Margaret Balagot, Olympia, Glenna Hastings (Glenn) Spanaway, Francine Carpenter (Mark) Montesano, Mary Veney (Larry) Graham; 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; 6 great- great grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank & Elsie Schnider; son, Frankie Schnider; sister, Ann Reitz; brother, Fred Schnider and grandson, Patrick Carpenter. The Family appreciates the help and care Frank received from St. Francis Hospice, Caregivers Paul, Margaret and Mary (Right at Home). In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Franks honor to: Swiss Society of Tacoma Scholarship Fund, 9205- 198th Ave. E., Bonney Lake, WA 98390 or St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 2303 54th Ave. E., Fife, WA 98424. Arrangements by Powers Funeral Home.