John A. Schneiter, 80,  affectionately known as "Coach", was born August 25, 1933 in Olney, IL and passed away January 21, 2014 in Northfield, Illinois.  Schneiter suffered from Parkinson's disease and dementia in recent years.

Coach Schneiter led the 1962 Stephen Decatur high school basketball team to a State Championship.

Beloved husband of almost 45 years to Suzanne Schneiter nee Lindberg; loving father of Jill Schneiter, Steve Schneiter, Joanna (Jeff) King of Lincolnshire and Clay (Marla) Schneiter of Denver, CO; adored grandfather of Avery and Carly King, Maddie and John Payton Schneiter.

John was a graduate of Millikin University earning both a bachelor's degree as well as a M.S. in Psychology. He also was a member of the Millikin 100 and Millikin Hall of Fame. John served as head coach at Oblong HS, Stephen Decatur HS, New Trier HS and North Shore Country Day School. Coach Schneiter became the youngest person in Illinois history to win the State Basketball Championship in 1962 with Stephen Decatur HS. He amassed over 770 basketball wins and 8 State tennis championships spanning a 50 year career.

John is an elected member of both the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1978) as well as the Illinois High School Tennis Hall of Fame (1995), the only individual honored in both. He is a past winner of the Buzzy O'Conner Award, considered the highest honor in Illinois for coaching basketball.

In his light hearted and humorous style, John connected and inspired growth in thousands of young people in his distinguished lifetime. A Celebration of Life held at Northfield Community Church, 400 Wagner Rd. (at Willow Rd.) Northfield, IL

Published in Chicago Tribune (IL) - Jan. 26, 2014