Mary Schnettler

Mary Schnettler, 84, of St. Cloud died on Saturday, September 7 at her home with her loving family surrounding her. A visitation for family and friends will take place on Wednesday, September 11 from 4-8PM at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud and one hour prior to services at the church. Services will be held at Christ Church Newman Center, 396 First Ave. S., St. Cloud on Thursday, September 12 at 11:00AM. All are welcome.

 Mary’s life began on November 21, 1928 as the middle child of William and Madeline Matthews. She grew up and lived most of her life in St. Cloud. She attended Cathedral High School, the College of St. Benedict and Emmanuel College in Boston. She graduated with an English degree and taught high school English, Special Education and English-as- a-Second Language for 18 years.

Mary married Ed Schnettler in 1953 and together they raised five children – Mike, Tom, Bill, John, and Mary Pat. Mary’s focus was always family. She loved to spend time with her husband, children and grandchildren and especially loved being together at the lake cabin on
Big Birch Lake. Mary also loved to travel with her husband Ed and in her younger days was fortunate to visit many beautiful places, her favorite being San Diego.

Mary was a gifted writer. After retiring from her teaching profession she authored and published three books – all of which are treasured by her family and friends.

Mary leaves behind her three beloved Irish sisters: Rose Ann Bohlig, Kathy Lutgen and Maxine Lester; her wonderful husband of 60 years, Ed, and her five children: Mike Schnettler (Deb), Tom Schnettler (Cheryl), Bill Schnettler (Lynn), John Schnettler (Jan), and Mary Pat Benning (Ken); 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mary was dearly loved by her family, her students, and her friends and neighbors. She will be greatly missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Leroy Matthews, and her parents, William and Madeline Matthews.

Special thanks to Molly Dunn and the St. Cloud Hospital Hospice team for providing extraordinary care to Mary, Ed and the entire family in Mary’s last weeks.

Memorials in Mary’s name will be used to start an educational scholarship fund. Proceeds from the fund will be awarded annually to a District 742 high school senior interested in pursuing an English/Education degree in post-secondary schooling.