Robert K. Schnell

Robert Kenneth Schnell, 87, born in Ramona, So. Dakota on June 13, 1923, died in Phoenix, Arizona June 16, 2010 of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years Dorothy, 2 weeks ago of natural causes. Born to Emmanuel Schnell & Josephine (Deragisch) he attended school and college in So. Dakota. He left for California in 1942 where he worked for North American on construction of B-17’s for the war effort until he joined the Army Air Corp. in February 1943. He served in 835th Bomb Squadron, 486th Bomb Group based in Scotland. Following discharge in October 1945 he drove the Alcan Hwy with 3 buddies. He returned to South Dakota where he met & married Dorothy Carper. They left for Alaska shortly after where they raised 6 children. Bob worked civil service at Elmendorf AFB until 1965. He was a partner with Bill Britz building new homes & remodeling until his retirement in the 1970’s. Bob & Dorothy enjoyed nearly 40 years of retirement splitting their time between Deep Creek in the summer and Arizona in the winter, driving the Alaska Hwy over 50 times! Bob and Dorothy are survived by their children: Bob & Jolene Schnell, Jim & Janis Schnell, Scott & Renate Schnell, Rhonda Gouderian, Tony Schnell, & Sandi & Jim Christianson; 25 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Memorial Services will be conducted, 3 P.M. Saturday, June 19th, at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ. A memorial service for Bob & Dorothy will be announced in the future for their many Alaska friends. Bob & Dorothy will be interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.