Arnold "Arnie" David Schnitzer

December 17, 1937 - May 10, 2022


Arnold “Arnie” David Schnitzer, 84, of Great Falls, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Arnie was born on December 17, 1937, in Portland, Oregon to Monty and Rose (Bloom) Schnitzer. Over the years, he was a member of the Elks, Masons, and Shriners and was a part of the Shrine Clowns. He enjoyed many hobbies including: camping, fishing, deer and elk hunting with family and friends, as well as astronomy. He enjoyed gold mining even though he never struck the mother lode. We made more money collecting pop cans, he had his children jump out and collect pop cans as he would see them driving down the road there's a nickel! It wasn't until his children were teenagers that they finally figured out how on Earth dad could spot a nickel in the middle of the road.

He was known as the family handyman, a role that he inherited from his father, Monty Schnitzer. Everyone knew that if you needed help with a project they’d call, and he would be there. If he did not have the right tool for the job, he'd be happy to go to the hardware store and add to his collection.

Arnie was always up for a road trip, most often as the driver. Anyone that ever enjoyed one of these trips knew Arnie would not stop for food or rest stops until he needed one. As he sped past an exit he would always ask if anyone wanted anything or needed a stop, then it was too late!

For most of his career he was in the jewelry business, starting with the family jewelry store, Bernard's in downtown Portland, Oregon. Later, working in a few small stores in the downtown area before moving to Fred Meyer Jewelers where he worked until his retirement.

In his early high school years, he discovered a love for photography that lasted a lifetime. As a young man, he was involved in the Timberline Ski Club where he was a race official. Where he eventually met his wife of 55 years, Margarite. He did competition shooting with Portland Rifle and Pistol Club. He was a firearm safety instructor and youth hunter safety instructor.

Arnie was a member of the Rose City Astronomers for several years before relocating to Great Falls, Montana. During his time with the Shrine Clowns, he learned to make balloon animals and greatly enjoyed entertaining kids.

He is survived by his wife, Margarite; children, Jennifer (David) Rosenquist of Hillsboro, Oregon, Kathleen Schnitzer Great Falls, and Jonathan (Karen) Schnitzer Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Violet and Amanda Rosenquist, and Josh, Ryan, and Kaitlyn Clark; two grand dogs, Luna and Henry; sister, Sandy Woolverton of Beaverton, Oregon; niece, Britt Woolverton of Aloha, Oregon; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, Monty and Rose Ann of Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Shriners Children's Hospital, Benefis Peace Hospice of Great Falls, or a charity of your choice in his name.

Arnold "Arnie"'s Guestbook


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