Harry Schnell

Harry Schnell, 91, died Wednesday, September 30 2009 at the The Fountains at Crystal Lake following a long battle with various chronic illnesses. Survived by daughter Donna Gius, son & daughter-in-law Richard & Ann Trownsell, son & daughter-in-law Ted & Suzi Trownsell, son Tom Schnell, daughter & son-in-law Mary Lynn and Richard Frank, daughter & son-in-law Betty and James Smith, son Robert Schnell; grandchildren, Jason (Magali) Trownsell, Tamara Trownsell, Joshua (Sharon) Trownsell, Lisa (Craig) Klimczak-Trownsell, Janele (Gary) Leece, James (Karyn) Smith, Richard Trownsell, Jeffrey Smith, Ryan Frank, Jeremy Smith, Jorleen (Aaron) Pollack, Virginia Frank, Caitlin Frank, Kendahl Schnell and Ellery Schnell; great-grandchildren, Gabe, Liam, Brennan, Gabby, Lexi, Eryn, Peyton, Esther and Logan; one brother, William Schnell and wife Char; and one sister, Louella and husband Paul Janicki. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia and grandson, Robert Gius. Born and raised in Bayard,Nebraska, the son of Nicholas and Mary (Pfenning) Schnell, he was a life long resident of Crystal Lake, IL. In his early years, Mr. Schnell would learn the meaning of hard work, working on the family farm. After graduating from High School, he immediately enrolled in the US Army and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. A decorated WWII veteran, Harry served tours overseas within the Pacific Theatre, where his service and duty earned him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After serving his country, Mr. Schnell settled in Crystal Lake, IL and met the love of his life, Virginia (Virg). The two married in February 1950 and remained in union until Virg's passing in 2003. Shortly after their marriage, Harry opened the Pinemoor Restaurant which was the first pizza restaurant in McHenry County. Harry and Virg owned the Pinemoor until 1971 when their son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Ann took over until the original location burned down in 1982. After retiring from running the Pinemoor, Harry held various jobs and remained a valued member of the community. He was Bailiff within the McHenry County Court system, a member of St. Thomas Church, and on the board of the Crystal Lake American Legion. Harry was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. In his later years he focused his time and efforts on the lives and activities of his grandchildren. Harry never missed a graduation, game, or event. He may be gone, but he certainly isn't forgotten -- and never will be. He was from an era when a handshake or his word was a bond, and his friendship was everlasting. The visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 2, from 4-9pm, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 3, 10:30 am, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 W Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake until the Mass of Christian burial at 11:30am. Father Akan Simon will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park Cemetery, 8012 Ridgefield Rd, Crystal Lake. Memorials in Harry?s name may be made to the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 410 S Hager Ave, Barrington Il 60010-4196. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at DavenportFamily.com. For information, call the funeral home at 815-459-3411.

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