Obituary
James Jay Schneider (Jim)
James Jay Schneider (Jim) passed away peacefully at home with family Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Jim was born in La Crosse, WI, to John and Wilma Schneider in 1937 and was a lifelong resident of the La Crosse area. After college he joined his father in running Schneider Carpet and Drapery in downtown La Crosse. He took over the business after his father retired, eventually moving to West Salem and renaming it Schneider Window Covering. He served the people of the tri-state area and beyond for more than 65 years. Jim took great pride in his knowledgeable customer service and providing customer satisfaction. Every project was given full attention. In 2007 Jim entrusted the business to his daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Ron Nederloe, who successfully ran the store until their recent retirement in January 2026. Jim continued to come in to help and give input until late 2024, serving as a great example to his children.
Jim met Carol Jean Bakalars in 1962, and they were married that same year—he knew he had met the girl of his dreams! Together they grew their family and were active community and church members.
Jim lived a beautiful life filled with friends and family. We take comfort in knowing he is with his loved ones in heaven, playing cards at the cabin on Long Lake and driving his RV through New Mexico with Carol.
Jim will be remembered for his fierce loyalty to family and friends and deep faith in the Catholic Church and schools. He found great joy in reading, especially American history. His love of books led him to apply his business skills to establish and run The Book Stop on Campbell Road in La Crosse.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Carol, brother John Schneider, and sister, Elaine Schneider.
Jim is survived by his sister Carol (Richard) Horzempa; his children Sue (Ron) Nederloe, Karen (Edward) Pretasky, James (Anita) Schneider, and Julie (Chris) Bluske; and special friend Janice Prokes. Jim is further survived by his grandchildren Tim Nederloe, Andy (Lacy) Nederloe, Tyler Nederloe, Emily Nederloe, Megan, Anna, Sara Pretasky, Hazel, Olive Schneider, Joshua (MK) Foglia, Emma, Alli, Jack Foglia, and Ayla Bluske. Jim is also survived by his great-grandchildren Levi, Ted, and George Nederloe, and Oliver Foglia.
Special thanks to Julie and Chris Bluske for opening their home and welcoming our father, caring for him in his last year so that he could be in his own house surrounded by family. And thanks to St. Croix Hospice for helping us provide a peaceful passing.
His family will be honoring his love of Wisconsin sports by wearing Packers, Brewers, or Bucks apparel to the celebration of Jim’s life. Feel free to do the same.
A celebration of life will be held from 1-3:00 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska, 54650.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting couleecremation.com.
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and held so dear
My uncle Jim Schneider gave me one of the best and most useful gifts I ever received. I graduated Aquinas High School in 1984 during the time Jim owned his bookstore in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He gave me the Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary for my high school graduation present. I used it through college and then grad school at Yale. I still have that dictionary, use it in homeschooling my kids, and it is my all-time favorite dictionary! Thank you Jim for the best gift ever!
My deep condolences to all my cousins. And thank you especially to Julie for taking care of him his last year.