Dennis Schneider, 83

Dennis Clifford Schneider passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 83.

Born on June 12, 1942, in Spokane, Washington, Dennis was the first child of Jack and Georgia Schneider. He grew up in Spokane and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1960. As the eldest of four siblings, Dennis took pride in his role and shared a close bond with his brother and sisters.

Dennis’s lifelong passion for aviation began when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961. His service marked the beginning of a distinguished 26-year military career, including active duty and reserve service. He proudly served his country during both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.

Dennis returned to Spokane and married Susie Kephart in 1969 and together they raised two children, Kep and Katie. In 1982, the family moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where they spent ten meaningful years. Dennis was a devoted father who enjoyed going to rock concerts with his daughter and restoring cars—especially his beloved 1972 Chevy truck—with his son. Dennis spent many summer weekends camping with his family throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating lasting memories under the stars, around campfires, and on winding forest roads. Although in 1992 he moved back to Spokane after a divorce, Bonners Ferry always held a special place in his heart.

In 1995, Dennis found lasting love with his wife, Stacey Streeter. Dennis’ love of aviation led them to settle in Medical Lake, Washington, near Fairchild Air Force Base. In 2013, their lives were joyfully transformed when they traveled to Beijing, China, to welcome their daughter, Tiana, into their family.

Dennis remained in Medical Lake for the rest of his life. In addition to his passion for aviation, Dennis enjoyed a wide range of hobbies that reflected his curious mind and strong values. He was an avid collector of coins and currency, a gun enthusiast, and he followed politics with conviction and interest. Dennis loved simply and appreciated the simple joys in life and was happiest sitting down with family and friends, manning the barbecue with a cold beer in hand, and sharing a laugh with the ease of a principled man content with the life he built.

His legacy of service and strength will live on in all who knew him.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Georgia Schneider, and his sisters, Dorothy Smith and Donita Vogel. He is survived by his loving wife, Stacey Schneider; his children, son Jack Kephart Schneider (Michelle) and daughters Katherine Marie Schneider (Jeff Thomas) and Tiana Schneider; grandchildren Wesley Schneider (Cora), Grace Taylor (Boedy), and Hope Schneider; brother Doug Schneider (Ellen); and beloved nieces, great grandchildren and dear friends.