Albert L. Scheider of Orangeville, IL, local musician, has completed the circle of life and is now making music in Heaven. Albert was born on May 22, 1936 and passed away on July 17, 2025. He was the only child of Lloyd and Lois (Hanke) Scheider, and grew up on the family farm near Red Oak, IL.
His education included eight years at Richland Center country school, four years at Orangeville High School being a graduate of the class of 1954, one semester at NIU and one semester at Green County Teachers College in Monroe, WI.
Albert married Bonnie (Baker) Scheider on March 24, 1979 in Winslow, IL.
Mr. Scheider was active in Red Cross in his early years and was former chairman of the board of directors for two years and chairman for Stephenson County Red Cross Rural Drive for funds and members. Albert was a charter member of the Freeport Choral Society and former president of that group for two years. Albert was a member of Richland Free Methodist Church having served in many offices of leadership, as a musician, Sunday School teacher, and custodial areas. He was a CYC youth teacher. Other memberships were: Cedarville, McConnell and Freeport Historical Societies, Farm Bureau, and Orangeville Senior Citizens.
Albert was an avid piano player and loved music, especially classical music. In the past, he was piano player at McConnell United Methodist Church, Red Oak United Methodist Church, and Richland Free Methodist Church. At times he was serving two churches each Sunday.
Also, Albert was a member of the Richland Center Cemetery Association for a long time. He served as historian for the Scheider reunions for about 60 years, since 1964.
One of his favorite times was traveling to private homes to instruct students with piano lessons. He also enjoyed the recitals of his students. Most recitals had a theme, and his favorite was the “Mozart” one in which all music played was composed by Mozart. Albert and Bonnie were dressed in costumes as Mr. and Mrs. Mozart.
Upon Bonnie’s retirement, they developed several programs with Albert as the musician and Bonnie the narrator. This comedy program and ‘School Days” program were enjoyable times for them.
Albert had a large collection of written music, over 100 miniature pianos, hundreds of vinyl LP records, books, posters, and many miniature churches.
Albert Scheider is survived by his wife, Bonnie, a daughter Valerie (Terry) Sweitzer of Lanark, IL and 3 grandchildren: Nicole Sweitzer, Caleb Sweitzer, and Luke Sweitzer. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 24th from 4:00-7:00 at the Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home in Orangeville, IL. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 25 at 11:00 at the Richland Free Methodist Church near Red Oak, IL with Pastor Tim Wauchope officiating. Burial will be at the Richland Center Cemetery and luncheon will be held at the Grace Free Methodist Church in McConnell, IL. A memorial fund has been established in his name.
