Stephen “Steve” James Schneider, age 78, of Wauseon, passed away Feb. 22, 2026, at his home.Steve was a math teacher at Wauseon Schools and Sara’s Garden for more than 55 years. He was born April 12, 1947, in Dayton to the late Marcel and Bernitta (Schwartz) Schneider.
He graduated from Wauseon High School and later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University. At BGSU, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and continued to participate in alumni events.
On July 14, 1972, Steve married the love of his life, Jessica (Durban), who survives. Steve’s family was the center of his life, and he loved being a proud dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.
He was a wrestling, football and baseball coach in Wauseon for many years. Steve was a current Wauseon city council member and a board member for the Wauseon Athletic Hall of Fame.
With his love of Wauseon athletics, he was proud to be a gold card member, earning him lifetime entrance to all things Wauseon Athletics. His joy in life was teaching, continuing to be an educator even into retirement.
Steve led Jets Club for almost 20 years and enjoyed sharing educational trips and experiences with his students. He enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, including Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles.
He had many other interests, including baking chocolate chip cookies that he handed out to everyone, caring for animals and wildlife in his yard, and reading old-fashioned Western books, which he donated to the senior center after finishing. His dog, Snickers, was a huge part of his life, often referred to as his “Buddy.”
Surviving Steve are his wife, Jessica of Wauseon; daughter, Stephanie Trejo of Middletown, Ohio; son, Joe (Morgan) Schneider of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Jake (Madison) Trejo, Maddie Trejo and Henry Schneider; and great-granddaughter, Sofia Trejo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Snickers.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles “Chuck” (Arlene) Schneider.
Visitation will take place Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Caspar Catholic Church of Wauseon. A funeral Mass will take place Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Todd Dominique officiating. Burial will be private at St. Caspar Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Sara’s Garden or the Fulton County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. The Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home of Wauseon is honored to serve the Schneider family.