Wayne H. Schnell of Irrigon died on March 8, 2020 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 87.
He was born on Jan. 18, 1933 in Vancouver, Wash. to Louis and Ella Bowers Schnell.
Wayne was raised and attended schools in Camas, Wash. He later attended Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., studying to become a machinist. Wayne served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge. He married Marlene Fisher and they had three children, William, Susan and Lorinda. Wayne worked as a master machinist for several years before moving the family to Irrigon in 1972 to pursue his passion for farming, raising alfalfa hay and working on farm equipment. Marlene passed away, and Wayne later married Wanda Huwe on March 18, 2003 in Reno, Nev. They have continued to live in Irrigon ever since.
Wayne enjoyed restoring John Deere tractors, fabricating parts or tools and tinkering in his shop.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Schnell, Irrigon; son, William Erin Schnell, Irrigon; daughter, Lorinda Ann Schnell, West Salem; stepchildren, Dean Olson, Cathy Groves and Lorrie Hastings, all of Irrigon; brother, Louis Schnell, Camas, Wash.; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife, Marlene; a daughter, Susan Kae Schnell; and his parents.
A celebration of life potluck gathering will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Skinny Bull Ag Museum, 240 S. First St., Irrigon. Please bring your favorite dish and memories of Wayne to share.
Please share memories of Wayne with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
