Dr. Frederick S. Schnell

• 

Dr. Frederick S. Schnell, 80, longtime resident of Litchfield, died peacefully and surrounded by his family June 28 at Cokato Manor Nursing Home. He was born December 16, 1921 in Superior, Wisconsin to Dr. William and Agnes Schnell (nee Schwanekamp). Fred graduated from Superior Central High School. World War II was raging when he began his college career. Fred enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and enlisted in the Navy's V-7 program which allowed him to earn his degree before going into active service. Following graduation he went on active duty and was sent to University of Notre Dame for Midshipman's training. Fred earned his commission as a Lieutenant J.G. and then went on to Norfolk, Virginia where he received amphibious training on Landing Control Craft. From Norfolk it was off to San Diego, then Honolulu and finally to the battle zone of the South Pacific. Following the war he married Jean Erlanson. In the fall of 1946 Fred enrolled at Marquette University Medical School in Milwaukee. After completing work toward his medical degree, he interned at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth. Fred spent one year in Virginia, MN at the East Range Clinic. In 1952 Fred joined the staff at Litchfield Medical Clinic where he enjoyed a successful and very rewarding 38 years of serving the Litchfield community until his retirement in 1990. Fred was very civic minded and gave generously of his time to many organizations including the Northwest Bank Board of Directors, the State Board of Medical Examiners, Board of Directors of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Chamber of Commerce (past President), Litchfield Industries, Public Utilities Commission, Kiwanis, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts of America (Commissioner), and Litchfield Golf Club (past President). Although Fred loved his patients and the citizens of Litchfield, he loved his family most of all. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 56 years, Jean; and by his children and their families: Peggy Strand & Michael Parrish, San Diego California and children Katy, Bill and Thomas, Barbara Hansmeier, St. Cloud and children Peter, Paul and Mark, Bill & Dolly Schnell, Duluth and children Taylor, Katherine and Clayton, and Bob & Beth Schnell, Plymouth and children Britta, Sara, and Laura. They will fondly remember their husband, father, and grandfather as a gentle, generous and good humored man who lived his life to the fullest. He will always be the standard by which they all will measure their lives. Fred is also survived by his dear friends at Cokato Manor who were like a second family to him these past few years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert. Visitation will be Monday, July 1, 2002, 4-7 PM at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield. Funeral Services will be July 2, 2002 at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield with Pastor Allan Bjorklund and Pastor Dennis Bushkofsky officiating. Interment will be at Ripley Cemetery, Litchfield. Memorials are preferred to Cokato Manor Nursing Home.

Published on July 1, 2002