Andreas “Andy” Schneider, 76

Long-time Coeur d’Alene fixture, Andreas “Andy” Schneider, passed away on Jan. 29, 2022, at the age of 76. It could be said he left the party earlier than was his style after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease. For the record, it’s a fight he would have finished had he been the one to start it. Andy, as he was better known, was always one to initiate a challenge and never settled for the unmemorable. Those who knew him or saw him around town, know that he’s not one to be forgotten.

He was born on March 19, 1945, in Schwadernau, Switzerland. He grew up in a farmhouse with his mother, younger brother, and older sister and attended a two-room schoolhouse. After completing an apprenticeship in machining, he began working across Europe. When he was 25, he set off for New York City on the Italian ocean liner, the SS Michelangelo, to continue his career and fulfill his lifelong fantasy of being the original Swiss cowboy of the American West.

As legend has it, he had $50 to his name on his first Christmas in New York City before eventually setting out on a cross country road trip with another Swiss friend in a van for San Francisco. After settling down in Huntington Beach, Calif., he married Terry Schneider in 1979 and founded his own business, Swiss Tech Precision, Inc., the following year.

After his twin daughters were born in 1985, Andy longed for the more idyllic landscapes and lifestyle he grew up with. He remembered Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, which he passed through while making a stop at the World’s Fair in Spokane during his 1974 road trip. In 1994 he moved his family to Coeur d’Alene, where he brought precision metal stamping and a tool and die shop to the area.

On Sept. 3, 2004, Andy was remarried to fellow European, Geraldine Schneider. The two spent Andy’s pre- and post- retirement years doing what they loved most, socializing locally and traveling throughout Europe. He was a social butterfly who always took time to enjoy the most pungent cheeses, tastiest cured meats, copious amounts of garlic, and endlessly drinkable wines. He loved long winding drives, walks along well-worn hiking trails, and travels through foreign cobblestone streets.

Andy was a true character with a singular sense of humor. He had a stone-faced demeanor and mischievous glint in his eye, which quickly gave way to a smart-ass attitude and generous spirit. He was a perennial “regular” who counted local restaurateurs, waitstaff and bartenders among his closest friends and even family. Over the years you could find him posted up everywhere from the White House Grill, Michael D’s Eatery and The Wine Cellar. Even his beloved cat, Schultzie, was playfully named after the manager of Moon Time. Those lucky enough to grab a seat next to him, heard stories that could have just as easily been from The Most Interesting Man in the World.

He was the self-proclaimed commander of the fictional Swiss Navy, an ironic title he created and had printed on his own merch. He dabbled in the occasional, unsanctioned Gumball Rally. He was the kind of person who once found himself in a long, engaging conversation with the reigning Mr. Universe, a young Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Andy left an impression wherever he went. Even though he couldn’t join his daughter Andrea’s wedding due to his health, he still found a way to make his presence known. A cardboard cutout (made with his face and the body of Jack Nicholson) gave a speech, made its way to the dance floor, and reigned as king of the photo booth. When his daughter, Marisa, competed in the Ironman triathlon, Andy could be found cheering her on while loudly ringing his giant Swiss cowbell.

His eyebrows alone were legendary, with rogue hairs reaching nearly 5 inches at times, almost enough to threaten the world record holder at the time. They even caught the eye of Guy Fieri, who while taping an episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," insisted on putting him on camera.

Andy lived a memorable, full life and will be greatly missed. However, we are left thinking of Andy’s response whenever someone would say, “It was good to see you.” Andy would smile that smartass smile and respond, “It was good to be seen.”

Andy is survived by his wife Geraldine (Gez) Schneider, ex-wife and enduring friend, Terry Schneider, his pride and joy twin daughters, Andrea and Marisa Schneider, and his "Andy approved" son-in laws, Alex Richanbach and Stein Berry. He'll live on through his yet-to-be-born granddaughter, due June 11, 2022. In Switzerland, he leaves behind siblings, Erwin Schneider and Elizabeth Stauffer, and nephew Heinz Stauffer. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Johanna Kocher Boss. His wish was to have his ashes brought back to Switzerland.

A Celebration of Life will be held with his family here and or abroad at a future date. Andy's family here and in Switzerland would like to thank the staff at Schneidmiller Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care and the many friends who contributed to Andy's full life.