Dennis "Denny" Schnell

Denny Schnell, 67, of Alexandria passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on March 17^th 2024.  Dennis Donald Schnell was born August 11, 1956 in Mendota, Illinois to Donald and Virginia Schnell.  Growing up Denny enjoyed helping his Grandpa Schnell and Grandpa Hahn on their farms.   Denny moved to Villard, MN at 15 years old where he helped family friends George and Charolette Bender farm until he entered the United States Marine Corp in 1973 with his good friend Randy Fischer.  Denny proudly served his country in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1976.   Although once a Marine, always a Marine.   

Denny married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Nenninger on January 6^th 1979.  He held many jobs in his lifetime including building missiles, truck driving, and owning multiple businesses and farming.   Together they have two children, Shane and Tiffany.  

Denny and Pat enjoyed traveling together all over the country.  In 2020 they bought a seasonal camper in Walker, MN on Leech Lake where they enjoyed time with new friends, boat rides, and trail riding through the woods.   If you couldn’t find Denny, he was out on Leech Lake in his boat.  Whenever asking Denny how’s it going, he would reply “You know me shy and quiet”.   But we all know that is far from true!   Denny always loved a good sunset and the best place to witness that was right on his front porch with this American flag waving majestically in the horizon.  Denny was most happy when he could spend time with any of his five grandchildren.  

Denny was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Virginia Schnell, brother David Schnell, father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Grace Nenninger.

He is survived by his wife Pat, two children Shane Schnell (Kelly) and Tiffany Winter (Jason “Slim”), 2 siblings, 5 grandchildren, Shanay, Hayden, Avery, Juliette, Isaac, brother-in-law Barry Nenninger (Deb), brother-in-law Dale Nenninger, sister-in-law Carol Roher (Rodney), and many nieces and nephews.  

To end this the way he ended every post… “God Bless America”

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue on Friday, March 22, 2024, 1:00 - 2:00 PM at New Life Christian Church with a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM.  Burial will be at Hudson Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Marine Corp. Toys for Tots.