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Gerald “Jerry” Elmer Schneider, age 83, of Clark, Wyoming, passed away on June 2, 2026. He was born on May 12, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Elmer and Betty Lou Schneider. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle and friend, Jerry lived a full and generous life rooted in his Catholic faith, his family, and his deep and abiding prayer life.
Jerry met the love of his life, Michaeleen “Mickey” Flanigan, in high school. They married on Oct. 12, 1963, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 62 years. That same year, Jerry earned his degree in computer engineering from DeVry Technical Institute. His first work in the field was at McDonnell Aircraft, where he helped build the F-4C Phantom military aircraft, with his work taking him to White Sands, New Mexico.
But Jerry’s heart had always belonged to the West. His lifelong dream was to be a cowboy, and when a position opened as a computer engineer at the Husky Oil refinery in Cody, Wyoming, he moved his family there in 1965 to begin the life he had always imagined. Jerry and Mickey bought their first cattle ranch on Heart Mountain, and in 1973 purchased the Big Sand Coulee Ranch in Clark, where Jerry became a full-time rancher and where he and Mickey raised their six children. He loved every part of ranch life — none more than the fun-filled cattle drives and brandings that brought family, friends and neighbors together.
In 1992, Jerry and Mickey opened their ranch and their hearts to at-risk teenage boys, running a group home where the rhythms of ranch life — responsibility, hard work and belonging — gave young men a chance to find their footing. Through this work, alongside their ranching, they touched the lives of countless boys, friends and family. In recognition of their care and devotion, Jerry and Mickey were named Parents of the Year by the State of Wyoming, an honor of which Jerry was deeply proud.
Boxing was another of Jerry’s great passions. He served as the boxing coach for the Powell and Cody boxing clubs, training and mentoring many young people in the sport he loved, and passing on lessons of discipline, courage and heart that reached far beyond the ring.
A true outdoorsman and Western soul, Jerry filled his life with rodeo, fishing and hunting — and he was absolutely crazy for elk hunting, which remained one of his greatest joys to the end. Over his years in Cody he wore many hats: He owned a gas station, worked as a bouncer, and was a land developer in Powell, Cody and Clark.
Jerry was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 30 beautiful great-grandchildren, and he cherished every one of them.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Mickey Schneider; his parents, Elmer Schneider and Betty Lou Cousino; his stepfather, Ervin Cousino; his grandson, Daniel George; and his sister, Janice Beaudrie. He is survived by his six children, Angela (Jerry) Woodward, Susan (Tom) George, Father Daniel Mary, Mark (Carmen) Schneider, Matt (Jenny) Schneider, and Luke (Angie) Schneider; his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Dennis Beaudrie; and many nieces and nephews.
Ballard Funeral Home in Cody, Wyoming, is assisting the family with arrangements. The family kindly asks that cards and notes of sympathy be directed to Angie Schneider Woodward at 64 Safe Haven, Powell, WY 82435. The family is deeply grateful for all the love and support they have received and appreciates your continued prayers.
Memories and condolences can be shared on Jerry’s memorial page at BallardFH.com.
