Willis Schnell

Willis Schnell

Cedar Rapids

Willis Schnell, 90, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 20, in Surprise, Ariz. He and his wife had moved there in April to be close to their daughter.

Willis was born on Oct. 4, 1932, to William and Wylla Schnell in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He moved to Marion in seventh grade and met the love of his life, Patricia Baughman. They married on Oct. 12, 1951.

Willis worked as an apprentice carpenter for McKay Construction after graduation. He went to work for O.F. Paulson Construction as a carpenter, foreman, and Construction Supervisor until 1972. He then went to work for Merchants National Bank, becoming their Vice President for Facilities until he retired in 1992.

After retirement, Willie and Pat spent their winters in Port Isabel, Texas. They loved boating, bird watching, golfing, and fishing.

Willis is survived by his wife Patricia, son Eric (Marlana) Schnell and daughter Connie (Bob) Tesar. He has five grandchildren, Kristina (Jason) Mehman, Whitney (Derek) Larimer, Hunter Skilling, Paris Schnell, and Tasha Schnell. He is also survived by his much-adored great-granddaughters Lillian Mehman, Edith Mehman, and Sloane Larimer.

Other surviving family members include his sister Roberta (Bill) Goddard, sister-in-law Beth Robison, and nieces and nephews Rogene, Craig, Brad, Becki, Dennis, Charles, Lorrie, and Cathy.

Condolences can be sent to his widow: Pat Schnell, 19608 North Tolby Creek Ct., Surprise, AZ 85374.