Gene Allen Schnabel

Gene was born on October 15, 1946, in Eureka, South Dakota, to Royal and Glorena (Wiederich) Schnabel. His early years were spent on the family farm before graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1964. He went on to earn a B.A. in Business from Northern State University in South Dakota and an MBA from Mankato State University in Minnesota, preparing him for a lifelong career in accounting and finance. He began his career in Minneapolis, working for several divisions of Emerson Electric, including Micro Motion in Boulder, before retiring from the Houston, Texas division in 2008. After retirement, he continued with private consulting and, in 2018, applied his love of cost accounting on a part-time basis at the Longmont Community Foundation. Known for his quick mental math and hearty laugh, Gene was also a great mentor to many throughout his career.

Gene and Wanda (Schwartz) were married on August 8, 1970, and most recently celebrated their 55th anniversary. Gene and Wanda loved to travel together and spent the last two decades cruising the world. Together they raised two children, son Nathan (married to Sarah) and daughter Kristin Mayhew (married to Ryan). Gene was a beloved “Pa” to four grandchildren: Sofia and Stella Schnabel, and Hazel and Elliott Mayhew. Pa cherished holding them as babies, reading bedtime stories, smirking at toddler antics, playing competitive games of Sorry!, and giving the biggest bear hugs.

Gene is survived by his sister, JoAnn (Wayne), brother, Jack (Laurel), sisters-in-law, Vanette and Cherie, and nieces and nephews, Sasha, Aaron, Katie, Ryan, and Allison. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dennis, and his niece, Teresa.

Gene was a dedicated auto enthusiast since he bought his beloved Pontiac GTO in 1969. He would later enjoy giving rides to his granddaughters in his Ford Mustang convertible. To his children and grandchildren he passed on his interest in the great music of the 60s and 70s, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, CCR, and the Moody Blues. He grew up a Minnesota sports fan, closely following the Twins and the permanently disappointing Vikings. Gene was never known to curse or swear, except on the golf course, where his frequent wayward shots would earn a loud and hearty “Damnit!” with a frustrated slamming of the offending golf club.

Gene was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont, serving as treasurer and in other positions over the years. His celebration of life will be held at Bethlehem at 11 a.m. on October 4, followed by a luncheon reception.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choice in honor of Gene.