Schneidmiller donates $1 million to Hospice

Gary Schneidmiller is carrying on his mother and father’s tradition of giving, and he’s doing it in their honor.

Hospice of North Idaho has received $1 million from Schneidmiller, founder and owner of Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty of Coeur d’Alene. The gift is in memory of his parents, Gladys and Mannie Schneidmiller.

“My parents lived lifetimes of enduring empathy for others,” Schneidmiller said, in a statement released Wednesday. “I thought this investment in the work of Hospice was a perfect way to honor them. I know without reservation they would approve of my decision. They were committed to family, community and service which is exactly what Hospice is all about. The people of Hospice are truly special and are deserving of our heartfelt thanks for the remarkable work they do.”

Founded in 1981, Hospice of North Idaho is the area’s only local nonprofit hospice serving families and patients in Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties. Schneidmiller’s gift is the largest donation ever received by the nonprofit. It will be used to expand the hospice organization’s services and its grief and loss programs, like Camp Kaniksu and after-school support groups for children.

Gladys and Mannie Schneidmiller were active community leaders involved with numerous organizations in North Idaho.

The couple donated land for economic development efforts, including the site that Kootenai Health owns in Post Falls and the former Kimball Office property, soon to be home to Orgill, Inc.

The family also developed a college scholarship fund that assists Post Falls High School graduates each year and donated a military service flag memorial at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls. Gladys started the scholarship fund in memory of Mannie, who was a farmer and World War II veteran. She was a Post Falls School Board member for 18 years and a founder and charter member of the Kootenai Health Foundation.

Gladys received care from Hospice of North Idaho before she died in 2015.

“Through personal experience with my mom, I observed the incredible sense of genuine caring and concern that Hospice staff members and volunteers deliver to patients and families. Although her exposure to Hospice was brief, it meant a great deal to know that the best care available was a phone call away. That reassurance came at just the right time,” Schneidmiller said.

Hospice of North Idaho made it possible for his mother to remain in her home as she wished.

“A visit to the Hospice House a few weeks ago reminded me what an incredible opportunity the facility presents for those who are unable to stay in their own homes during a very stressful and difficult time,” Schneidmiller said. “The facility is beautiful with a home-like atmosphere that contributes to a feeling of peace, kindness and caring for patients and their families.”

The inpatient specialty facility, built several years ago with funds from more than 1,000 donors, will now be named after Schneidmiller’s parents. The facility will continue to serve patients at the end of life who are unable to remain in their homes.

“We are deeply honored to name this peaceful place of care and comfort ‘The Mannie and Gladys Schneidmiller House’,” said Hospice of North Idaho Executive Director Kim Ransier. “Having known Gladys for many years, she was a powerful example of a leader who used her intelligence and genuine concern for people to make this world a better place for all of us.”