Notifications

No notifications
We will send an invite after you submit!
  • Helping hands

    In lieu of flowers

    Please consider a donation to Daniel J. Schnell Memorial Youth Scholarship.
  • Who else knew Daniel?

    Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Daniel J. Schnell Memorial Youth Scholarship.
$7,150.00
of $1,000 goal
715 %

How you can help

The Daniel J. Schnell Memorial Youth Scholarship will be used to help support the youth of Douglas and Elbert counties to pursue agricultural interests. We would like to honor the countless hours Dan spent supporting the community's agricultural activities. Please consider contributing in lieu of flowers and gifts. Thank you!

Daniel James Schnell was born on April 5th, 1944 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Marguerite Flannery Schnell and Alphonso Schnell. He grew up on a farm near Ramona, South Dakota. He received his bachelors degree from Dakota State University, and Masters Degree in Industrial Arts from the University of Northern Colorado in 1968.

Dan taught Ceramics and Fine Art at Aurora Hinkley High School in Colorado for 30 years before retiring. He was the chair of the Fine Arts department with many of his students achieving local and national awards. In addition to teaching, Dan owned and operated Pyramid Design, building commercial and residential buildings. Dan’s artistic talent, love for art, and creativity were most exemplified through his Frank Lloyd Wright influenced home, which he designed and built in Elizabeth, Colorado in the early 1970’s.

Throughout his adult life, Dan was involved in the Catholic church. He created liturgical art for several Catholic churches in both South Dakota and Colorado. His art remains in multiple parishes in addition to the Diocese of Colorado Springs Headquarters. He was a founding member of Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church in Elizabeth, Colorado, and worked tirelessly with both the design and building of the church and rectory.

Dan was also invested in his community through volunteering and leadership roles, including over 30 years with Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo. He received the Elizabeth Stampede Pioneer Achievement Award in 2014 for his efforts. He was also involved in the Elbert/Douglas County Cattleman’s Association, Elbert County 4-H, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, Tennessee Walking Horse Association, and Knights of Columbus.

Daniel's family is his wife of 54 years, Priscilla Vigil Schnell of Elizabeth, Colorado
Daughter Sarah Klassen, Son-in-Law Justin Klassen, Grandson Max Schnell and wife Diane Schnell, Great Grandson Oliver Schnell, and Granddaughter Alexa Hagans of Elizabeth, Colorado
Son Lucas Schnell, Daughter-in-Law Jessica Schnell, Granddaughters Kate, Rose, and Emma Schnell of Erie, Colorado
Daughter Maria Schnell-Brakeley, Son-in-Law Harley Schnell-Brakeley, and Granddaughters Lennox and Desi Schnell-Brakeley of Franktown, Colorado
Brother Raymond Schnell of Randolph, Nebraska

Event details

See additional details Right arrow

Want to stay updated?

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Memories & condolences

Timeline

icon

Born

April 5th, 1944
icon

Passed away

January 20th, 2024
Elizabeth, CO

Get grief support

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.

Other key details

Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel
Funeral services provided by

Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel

The Denver Hospice
Hospice care provided by

The Denver Hospice

×

Stay in the loop

Daniel Schnell