We celebrate the life of Daniel James Schnell, 61, who passed away on April 27, 2026. He was born October 2, 1964 to Janet and Donald Schnell. He was the youngest of 6 siblings. Dan was known for being selfless, loyal, generous, giving, calming, and supportive. His faith in God was the center of his life and his desire to teach and share that faith with others was evident every day. His family always took top priority. His children Ashlyn, Breanna, and Cierra, were his pride and joy. He showed this by going to every 4-H event, every sporting event, and showing up for his girls whenever they needed him.

Daniel was a sports enthusiast. Wrestling and football were his true sports passions. In high school Dan was “pound for pound the strongest guy in school”. He wrestled with his brother Steve and best friends. He also attended many Packer games with his wife Diane and friend Rich. Over the years he developed a love for basketball and cross-country. He coached basketball and timed every cross-country race or relay for his daughters. He was known as the guy at the mile marker yelling out everyone’s times. His favorite phrase early in the morning before event was “ITS GAME DAY”. You could always find Dan at every cross-country and track meet, rain or shine, in a bright yellow raincoat.

He was a farmer at heart. He loved raising his livestock, from dairy cattle to pigs. He spent many years judging dairy, mentoring others in 4-H, and sharing his knowledge in the livestock industry. He spent hours in the barn during show season rationing out the perfect diet for the animals or sleeping in the barn during farrowing season. He was also known as a horse whisperer and could load any horse that refused entry to a trailer. He was the ultimate supporter at every horse show or 4-H event.

Many cherished memories were made at his family’s cottages, including “hunting” with his friends and brothers, and family reunions. Going to the cottage every summer was filled with fishing, skiing, and playing cards. Dan was very strategic and competitive when it came to cards, but he was always humble about winning or losing.

Daniel is preceded in death by his brother Steve Schnell, his sister Wendy (Schnell) McCulloch. and brother-in-law Kurt McCulloch, his father Donald Schnell, his mother Janet (Breitrick Schnell) Keller, and stepfather Lester Keller.

Dan will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren and any person he influenced.

He is survived by his wife Diane (Johnston) Schnell, daughters Cierra Schnell, Breanna Schnell and Ashlyn (Schnell) Ballestad and son-in-law Eric Ballestad, his mother and father-in-law Beverly and Everette Johnston, sister Connie (Steve) Westlake, brother Mark (Linda) Schnell, brother Dave (Sue) Schnell, sister-in-law Kay Schnell, and brother-in-law, Daniel (Joann) Johnston.

Daniel James Schnell passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He fought an aggressive cancer with grace and humility and even in the last days was more concerned about his family, his community, and how many more people he could introduce to God. We would like to thank Eden Healing Oasis in Green Bay for all their support, rooted in faith and natural treatments that allowed Dan to have quality of life during this journey.

His celebration of life will be on Sunday, May 3, 2026, held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Town of Lessor. The wake will begin at 12:00 pm with a funeral service beginning at 2:30 pm led by Paster Bill Tisch. We will have a private family burial of Dan’s ashes at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.