Eugene W. Schnell, age 91, of Kiel, died peacefully Monday afternoon, March 8, at Caring Hands Assisted Living, New Holstein surrounded by his family.

He was born July 5, 1929 in Kiel, son of the late Joseph and Clara (Schneider) Schnell.  He grew up on his family's Century Farm.  He enjoyed staying close to his farming roots by helping out on the farm over the years.  Eugene attended SS Peter & Paul Catholic School and graduated from Kiel High School in 1947.

On June 18, 1955 he married Bernice Scharenbroch at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, School Hill.

Eugene began his employment at Stoelting Mfg and retired from Discovery World in 2009 at the age of 80.

He was a devout Catholic and a life-long member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kiel.   He was very proud of being a charter member of the church choir as well as the director of the choir for many years.  He belonged to the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus.  He served as Town of Schleswig's clerk for twelve years as well as working at the election polls for many years.  After retirement, he loved the seven years he spent volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul.

In his early years, Eugene played polka music on his accordion at parties.  In addition to music, he enjoyed gardening, playing sheepshead in several card clubs, road trips and Sunday afternoon drives.  He was a very loyal friend to many throughout his life.  Above all else, he loved his family and spending as much time with them as he could.  His gentle, easy-going spirit will be missed by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bernice of Kiel, his children Rosann of Madison, Shirley of Madison, Steve (Klaudia) of Kiel, Tom of Safford, AZ and Jim of Kiel; grandchildren Amanda (Matt) Zorn, Lauren Schnell, Kaitlyn Schnell, Tommy (Desiree) Schnell and Matthew Schnell; great grandchildren Sawyer and Josie; step-great grandchild Cayden.  He is also survived by siblings J. Kenneth Schnell, Joseph (Nancy) Schnell and Mary Propson; in-laws Mary Schnell, Agnes Scharenbroch, Violet Scharenbroch, Ray (Caroline) Scharenbroch and Betty Mae Owens.  He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law William and Mary Scharenbroch; brother Robert Schnell, brothers and sisters-in-law Raymond Propson, Virginia Schnell, Bernard (Colette) Scharenbroch, Bernard (Dorothy) Schad, Herb (Bernice) Scharenbroch, Francis (Ruth) Scharenbroch, Alphonse Scharenbroch, Bill Scharenbroch, Simon (Betty) Scharenbroch, Tony Scharenbroch and Terry Owens.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church (413 Fremont Street, Kiel) with Rev. Carl Diederichs as celebrant.  Visitation will be held on Friday, at the church, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass.  Interment will follow at the Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery.  Please visit www.meiselwitzfh.com to send online condolences.  Family requests those in attendance please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

A very special thanks to family and friends for the many visits, cards and letters throughout the last four years and especially for all of the prayers, cards and letters during the pandemic.  Also, thank you to the Amen choir for coming to sing and visit at Willowpark and Caring Hands.

Eugene's family would like to express their gratitude to Jeanne and her entire staff at Caring Hands for their kindness and compassionate care the past few years.  Also, thanks to his hospice nurse Gina for the attentive and considerate care in his final weeks.