Born into a working class family in the throes of the Great Depression, Bill Schnicke learned from a young age the value of hard work and strong ethics. He was raised in a one-bedroom apartment in Norwood. He began his working career at the age of twelve riding on a truck to pick up milk at West Virginia farms for United Dairy Farmers. His mother Jemima was one of the first employees of the dairy and showed her young son how hard work was vital. After many years at the dairy, he moved to Hunter Savings Bank and then onto Provident Bank. When he retired in 1985, he had risen to the level of Assistant Vice President in the commercial loan department. After retiring from banking, he became a real estate investor. He proved to all the hard work does lead to success. During his long career, he mentored many young men. He inspired loyality and trust in those with whom he had business dealings. He was known as a straight forward, clear speaking man who dealt with all fairly. Over the years he has remained close with people with whom he worked. His was a great friend who could be depended upon. As a loyal American, Bill Schnicke served his country as an infantry support soldier in Korea from 1951-1953. When he returned, he married Marilyn Rose Jenner of Newport, Kentucky on February 5, 1955. Together they raised and provided for their five children, all of whom still live in the Cincinnati area. Mr. and Mrs. Schnicke live within one mile of four of their five children and their home is always filled with the happy commotion of fifteen grandchildren. Mr. Schnicke taught his children to value hard work and family over all else; he led this close knit family by example. "My Dadwas always there for us; we knew we could count on him," said his daughter Pam White of Loveland. "Dad pushed us from a young age to work and to take a chance. When my brother Steve and I were still in school and interest rates were sky high, he encouraged us to start a building company. Our company is going strong after twenty years; our confidence in ourselves and our dedication to hard work came from our father," said his son Mark of Loveland. Mr. Schnick spent his retirement years with his family in Loveland or at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida. During the winters, his family flocked to Florida to visit with him and his wife. He enjoyed golfing with his sons and many friends. He was an avid collector of American made cars, model cars, watches and knives. He especially enjoyed shopping with his grandchildren for their first cars. Another highlight in his year was the annual Schnicke Family vacation when he spent a week with all those he loved so much. His children are Tara Schnicke (Dan Sullivan), Pam White (Pat), Steve Schnicke (Mary Ann), Lisa Crable (Bob), and Mark Schnicke (Donna). His grandchildren are Patrick, Aaron, Amy, Lauren, Brian, Sean, Emily, Allison, Jaclyn, Holly, Megan, Sarah, Elisabeth, Matthew, and William. In addition to his wife Marilyn, he is survived by his mother Jemima and his sister, Virginia Opdahl, St. Paul, MN. By all accounts, William Dean Schnicke lived the American Dream. Through hard work, sacrifice of self to family and notion, he made his mark on this world. He left a legacy in the families of his five children who carry on his values today in their endeavors. Mr. Schnicke died Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Family request that memorial contributions be directed to : St. Columban Parish Capital Campaign 894 Oakland Rd. Loveland, Ohio 45140 or Hospice of Cincinnati 4310 Cooper Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242.