Raymond 'Ray' L. Schnabel

Raymond ‘Ray’ L. Schnabel, 95, of Aberdeen, SD, died Sunday, December 15, at Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen.

Raymond “Ray’ L. Schnabel was born August 27, 1929, to Edwin and Katie (Bauer) Schnabel at Hosmer, SD. He grew up on a farm, then was drafted into the Army in 1953. He served two years in Germany.

He married Wilma Jane Spitzer on May 25, 1956 in Leola, SD. Three children were born to this union.

Ray went to barber school in Fargo, ND, then started working in Tripp, SD for a short time. They moved back to Aberdeen where he worked in a couple of different shops before building his own, Ray’s Barber Shop.

Ray was a barber for 54 years, until he retired at age 82.

Ray was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aberdeen for 67 years. He served as an elder, a trustee, and usher. He was also a member of the American Legion, The VFW, and Senior Center.

Grateful for having shared Ray’s life and continuing his legacy are Wilma, his wife of 68 years; son, Rickie (Deb) Schnabel, Laporte, MN and their daughter, Katrina (Graham) Kummeth, Rochester, MN, great-grandson, Asher and a great-granddaughter on the way; daughter, Cindy (David) Sitter, Aberdeen; and daughter, Cherise (David) Johnson, Aberdeen, grandson Taylor Johnson, Aberdeen, and grandson, Tevin Johnson (Fiancé Lenna Brunes), Aberdeen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister, Viona Bohle and brother-in-law, Ervin Bohle, and several brothers and sisters-in-law from Wilma’s family.

Ray was a man who loved God, his church, and his family. He will be greatly missed. Blessed be his memory.

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