Russell David Schnell

Russell David Schnell, 66, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Mary's Campus in Rochester, Minnesota after a battle with pneumonia and complications from a spinal cord injury in 2021.

Russ was born on August 29, 1959, in Rochester, Minnesota to Robert and Doris Schnell. Russ graduated from Elgin Millville High School in 1977. After graduation Russ attended RCTC and received a Drafting Degree. He had two employers before starting at IBM and retiring as a Senior Project Manager in 2023.

Russ met the love of his life, Sandy, in 1981 and were married on February 11,1983. Russ and Sandy were married for the remainder of his life. They celebrated 43 years of marriage in February 2026.

Before his accident in 2021, Russ enjoyed several activities throughout his life. In high school Russ discovered his love of music and playing in the percussion section of the band. Russ played for three different bands at special events around Southern Minnesota. Russ loved the outdoors and liked to fish, hunt, be on any type of boat, skiing, golfing, ATVing, snow mobiling, swimming, hot tubbing, or around a fire.

In later years Russ discovered his love of smoking BBQ and participating in competitions with his nephew, Chad Rich, they called themselves "Smoking Buddies". "Smoking Buddies" won several trophies for their smoked BBQ ribs. Russ became a Kansas City BBQ Association judge and loved tasting all the BBQ to help give out awards.

Another passion for him was poker. Russ loved playing with his friends in Wisconsin and North Carolina. Russ met lifelong friends playing poker and playing in a few tournaments.

Russ was always up for an adventure. He loved to travel, see new places and meet new people. His excitement for travel was contagious and led to many amazing family vacations in Colorado, Florida, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, California, and Mexico. Russ traveled to Mexico and Brazil for IBM and loved meeting new co-workers. Everyone who met Russ loved him. He made friends wherever he went.

Russ is survived by his wife, Sandy (Rich); daughter Nana Manley; brother Sam (Betty); brother Ed (Lorraine); brother Lonnie (Laurie); sister Marc (Jim) Dose; sister Missy (Mark) Bartsh; sister Peggy Tentis.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Doris Schnell.

Russ's final resting place will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, Minnesota at a later date.

Russ's wishes were to have a Celebration of Life gathering for his family and friends on Sunday April 19, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at our event room at our complex at SoRoc on Maine at 4850 Maine Avenue SE, Rochester, Minnesota 55904. Please come and celebrate Russ's extraordinary life.