Mel Schnackenberg
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On March 12, 2020 @ 4:34 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 16 Comments
Melrose “Mel” Schnackenberg, age 82 of Prior Lake, formerly of Eden Prairie, passed away at his home March 11, 2020 while surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and Mel will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
On March 28, 1937 in Greenleaf Township of Meeker County, Mel was born to parents Melrose and Selma (Arndt) Schnackenberg. He was the second oldest of five to be raised on the family farm near Cosmos. Mel attended a one room schoolhouse until 8th grade before transferring to Litchfield.
Following his graduation, Mel enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1959, Mel didn’t return home immediately as he found himself traveling across America as a door to door magazine salesman. Eventually, life brought him back to Minnesota where he began a 50-year career with Wally McCarthy Automotive Group. Over the years, Mel excelled as a car salesman, selling more than 10,000 units. It was more than just a job though; it was an opportunity to make lasting connections with others.
In the late 60s, Mel made the most important car sale of his life to Cathy. They were married December 1, 1971. They were blessed with 48 years together and a loving family.
Mel was an exceptional husband, father and papa. Mel’s work ethic was unmatched and despite working long hours, Mel never missed his children or grandchildren’s activities. Even in the last week, despite his health, Mel was present for the baptism held at his bedside of his newest granddaughter, his namesake, Melrose. The family enjoyed attending Minnesota sporting events, boating, family games and having Sunday dinner together. The grandchildren’s best memories with their Papa were made at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando.
Mel believed that life was made of little moments that bring people together—playing cribbage with a coworker during lunch, golfing on Sundays, sending out daily texts and making calls to family, and supporting with love his grandchildren and their friends. He had a servant’s heart. Mel strived to help others, especially those in AA. After his dry date in 1974, Mel was dedicated to sponsoring others in the program. Mel has left a legacy of compassion with his family, friends, neighbors and community, He has lived life daily by the Serenity Prayer.
He is loved and missed by his wife Catherine; children, Heidi (Aaron “his third son”) Ornelas, Melrose “Ben” (Susan) Schnackenberg, Joe (Kelsey) Schnackenberg; grandchildren, Riley (Henry) Prettyman, Paige Radach, Cooper Schnackenberg, Ella Schnackenberg, Gracie Schnackenberg, Baylor Schnackenberg, Melrose Schnackenberg; cousin, Karen Hill; dear friend, Dr. Mel Peaslee; sister, Marlys Tetris; many nieces, nephews, and countless friends from work, the community and AA.
Mel is greeted in Heaven by his parents; siblings, Lorne, Dean, and Arlen Schnackenberg and life-time friend, Wally McCarthy.
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So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. What a wonderful man. Some of our greatest memories are of Mel as we watched our sons group up together. Our heartfelt condolences to Kathy, Joe, and all the family.
Jeff and Lori Schemmel
Sorry for your loss of Mel. He always had a big smile for us, whether at football/basketball events for the boys, church, or selling us many cars.
He was a great man!!!
I had the pleasure of working with Mel for most of 50 years. I have never met a person that ever had a bad word to say about Mel.
He is a great example of how we should all lead our lives. I was a fortunate man to have met him, worked with him, golfed with him and love him.
Mel was an awesome person. I was fortunate to coach two of his sons that are outstanding young men. He was extremely positive and had a great sense of humor who would tell it like it is. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Mel was a longtime friend and coworker of 24 years. Always a friendly smile and genuinely interested in an update on our fam. And Proud to tell us about his. He loved them dearly. So great to see him at Christmas! He looked great. Same ol Mel! He will be greatly missed!
I was fortunate enough to be able to call Mel a very good friend for many years. playing cribbage together on our lunch breaks (when he wasn’t selling a car) was always a very good time. It may have gotten a little bit noisy at times but always good fun.
As I am sure most of his friends and family knows that he liked to win. That’s what made it special to beat him now and again.
If anyone ever asked me what salesman they should ask for I always sent them to Mel. You always knew that he would treat them well. Over the years he sold many of vehicles to my family and friends.
I was fortunate enough to visit with Mel Friday before his passing we had a very good laughing about all the good times we had together at work. and he was still sharp as a tack. I will miss him
dearly .
His family was always his top priority as it should be. Many conversations were about family and friends. I will always consider Mel as one of my best friends.
When ever I play cribbage I always think about Mel.
Thanks for all the memories. Harry Madson
I met Mel about 19 years ago when we worked together and struck up a friendship and we played golf every Sunday from early Spring until the snow flew. It started out with a group of guys from McCarthys and eventually ended up with Joe ,Mel, Aaron and myself and we always had to negotiate before the game could start. Mel always seemed to win but I never minded. I will miss those Sundays.
Mel was the most honest man I ever met and probably the best family man I will ever know.
Love you German. Hit em straight up there
Mel was the BEST!
I grew up at Wally McCarthy’s as my dad was one of Mel’s friends.
Through the year’s I never lost touch with Mel. Talked with him 3 week’s ago and we laughed.
I will NEVER forget them memories or the impact he made on my life.
Please keep me updated on the dates of his celebration of life……
God Bless All Of You!!!!!
My prayers and thoughts go out to Kathy, Joe and family. I always enjoyed our fun times together watching our boys play sports together! Mel was a wonderful man. He will be missed!
Pam Meyer
Oh my!! I met Mel at Lindahl Oldsmobile in 1971 when I was hired for receptionist and then in the bookkeeping department – leading to Wally McCarthy’s Oldsmobile – stayed until 1979. Mel was a leader of of all sales in the dealership and a friend whenever anyone needed one.. There was always a smile on his face, a funny story whether about himself or someone else. My prayers go out to Cathy and the family for peace and grace for your loss. I’m sure he will be missed by all that knew him.
Cathy I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for your family is to remember all the love and wonderful memories of Mel!
Cathy and Family… I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Mel. It is so hard to lose someone so special in your life. Keep sharing your times and memories of him. In time this will help you heal. So blessed to have him in your life for so long! So sorry it wasn’t longer. There is never a good time for someone you love to pass. I know his love for you and your family will help you pull through this difficult time! I will be keeping your family in my prayers!
Amy and I were really saddened by the new of Mel deciding to go to the great Dealership in the sky. But for us it wasn’t about buying cars. It was Mel and Cathy’s sharing so much with us and everyone when it came to sports. I had the privilege of our kids participating in sports and me coaching and traveling with the Mel and family. If it was ducks on the pond or pigeons on the lake, the memories are all home runs. John (coach) and Amy Clark
I recently found out of the passing of Mel. I worked with him, not at the dealership but by phone and he was always extremely helpful and willing to go the extra mile to get a deal done. I feel very fortunate and blessed that i met Mel and got to know him over the years. He will be greatly missed by his coworkers, family and friends but he is in a much better place then us and will be watching over everyone. He was definitely one of the good guys. Rest in peace Mel. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family as well.
We are so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing almost a year ago. Had his business card here and thought I’d try call his cell and office one more time. I had called long ago and they said he was out on a medical leave.
Mel was a great great man. (Nothing new that you didn’t know already).
We bought several different cars from him as far back as 1973. He was always so full of life and laughter.
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
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Really sorry to learn of Mel’s passing. Many fond memories with Mel of watching and rooting Joe and Tom on to many sports victories, tournament and AAU state titles over the years in basketball and football as the grew up as friends from 5th graders to state champions in football as EPHS seniors. Always a good guy, with a positive thing to say to the boys and a quick smile. And was a valued and trusted source of many “Melmobiles” as I outfitted my family over many years with at least one of every brand car I believe Mel sold.
Many good memories shared in those years with Mel, Kathy and Joe.
Please accept our entire family’s condolences for your loss.
Warmly,
Rich and Mary Ostlund