Obituary | Lucille Schnabel of Isabel, South Dakota

September 18, 1929 – October 18, 2023

Memorial services for Lucille “Lucy” J. Schnabel of Houston, Texas, formerly of Isabel, South Dakota, will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church in Isabel. Inurnment will be at Hillview Cemetery in Isabel.

            Treasured and cherished mother, and dear friend, slipped the surly bonds of this Earth to touch the face of God on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and was reunited with her husband, “my Gene”, and all her sisters in Heaven.  Lucy loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was blessed to live 94 years and 1 month, before being called to eternal life.  To God be the glory!

            Lucille Jeanette Pladsen was born to the late Ernest E. and Byrda A. (Smith) Pladsen at their family home in Ziebach County, South Dakota on September 18, 1929.

            Lucy met the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Ivan Schnabel, her one and only true love, in high school.  They dated, fell in love, and married on August 29, 1950, in Pierre, South Dakota, having celebrated 64 years, 6 months, and 5 days of marriage before Gene’s death on March 6, 2015.  To be closer to her only son, Lucy moved to Houston following her husband’s death.

            Hard-working her entire life, Lucy became the first in her family to graduate from Black Hills Teachers College.  After her graduation, Lucy taught in several country schools, and even taught her two younger sisters in one of the schools.  She later began her working career with the United States Postal Service in Isabel, South Dakota, as a three-hour-per-week part-time mail clerk.  Taking great pride in her postal service work, and serving the community with extraordinary service, she eventually earned the position of Postmaster and retired after 27 years of loyal and dedicated service.

            The role of her lifetime, and one that filled her heart beyond all understanding, was to be a loving, kind, and caring wife, and mother.  Simply put, when Lucy was with her family her soul emulated the most beautiful light, making her heart feel full and complete.

            Lucy loved God, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and was a longtime and faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Isabel, South Dakota where she volunteered countless hours participating in fellowship events.  Lucy adored children, especially those that took the time to visit with her at church.

            Forever inseparable, she and Gene, genuinely enjoyed being together, especially going to their favorite casino in Mobridge, South Dakota.  This tradition continued upon her move to Texas at the Naskila Casino, eventually pressing her luck by winning $10,000.00, receiving a giant check, and having her photo taken for the occasion.

            Anyone that knew Lucy knew that she was an amazing quilter.  Throughout her life, she lovingly stitched some of the most breathtakingly stunning quilts ever designed.  When her son, Lee, was serving in his professional association, Legal Secretaries International Inc., she created a quilt that became a banner for the association’s charitable giving.  The quilt followed each meeting of the association in different cities across the U.S. and, upon its return from each meeting, Lucy created an additional block, which noted the date and city of the meeting, to be inserted into the quilt.  The quilt was admired by many people across the United States.

            Community service was important to both Lucy and Gene.  For many years, they worked one of the ticket gates at the South Dakota State Fair.  They also supported and took part in numerous activities within their hometown, including activities relating to the Senior Citizens, Isabel Fire Department, High School Alumni Association, and Isabel’s Annual Celebration activities, to name a few.

           Surviving are her beloved son, Lee Schnabel of Houston, Texas, special friends, Jonathan and Susan Semro, and their children: Laura, Daniel, and Benjamin, and very special friend, Rhonda Collins.  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

            She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Schnabel; her parents, Ernest and Byrda (Smith) Pladsen; and her dearly loved sisters, Dorothy Pogany, Doris LaBonte, Ruby Lee Locken, Elaine Cundy, and Darlene Geyer.

            Condolences may be sent to Lee Schnabel at 15722 Ridge Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77095.

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