John Henry Schnell passed away Saturday, August 2, 2014, with his family at his side. Born February 6, 1929 in Scottsbluff, NE to E. George and Pauline Aschenbrenner Schnell.

John was a devoted Christian and family man. John worked in construction until his retirement and was a member of the Maple Grove Baptist Church in Lakeport. He came to Okeechobee in the early 1960s and loved to play jokes on others, fish, hunt, tinker on old cars, shop local markets and spend time with family, especially his grandchildren.

John served our country during the Korean War as an Army Sergeant (Hq. Btry 76AAA BN (SP) APO 301) and received the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.

He was a quiet man who took pride in his service to others. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his parents and thirteen brothers and sisters: Conrad E. Schnell (Rosie), George Schnell (Fern), David "Dave" Schnell (Edna) all of Nebraska, Henry Schnell (Pauline) of Bronson, Florida, Alex Schnell (Leota), William "Willie" Schnell, Peter "Pete" Schnell (Betty) all of Nebraska, Mary Schnell Heins (Henry) of Colorado, Eva Schnell Merrigan (Bert) of Nebraska, Pauline Schmidt Schnell (Henry), Elmer Schmidt of Texas, Edward (Ed) Schnell (Angela) of Kissimmee, FL and Robert Schnell (Pat) of West Palm Beach, FL.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Lola Brown Schnell; daughters Vanessa (Steve) McAllister and Pamela Schnell; grandson, Johnathan McAllister; granddaughters, Myranda McAllister, Sierra Story and Madison McAllister; great granddaughter, Jaina Whirls all of Okeechobee, FL; four sisters, Alyce Schmidt of Citrus Springs, Florida, Ruth Schnell Todd (Leamon) of Citrus Springs, Florida, Alvina Schnell of Plant City, Florida and Janice "Judy" Schnell Jenkins (Dave) of Ft. Langley, British Columbia, Canada; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Maple Grove Baptist Church in Lakeport with Pastor Scott Garvin officiating. Interment will follow at Ortona Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to:
Hospice of Okeechobee
PO Box 1548
Okeechobee FL 34973

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton, Bass and Conway families of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972.

SOURCE: Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home