Lucille “Lucy” Schnabel passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Lucy lived 94 years and 1 month, before being called to eternal life.
Lucille Jeanette Pladsen was born to Ernest E. and Byrda A. (Smith) Pladsen at their family home in Ziebach County on September 18, 1929.
Lucy met the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Ivan Schnabel, in high school. They dated, fell in love, and married on August 29, 1950 in Pierre. They celebrated 64 years, 6 months, and 5 days of marriage before Gene’s death on March 6, 2015. To be closer to her only son, Lucy moved to Houston, TX following her husband’s death.
Hard-working her entire life, Lucy became the first in her family to graduate from Black Hills Teachers College. After her graduation, she taught in several country schools, and even taught her two younger sisters in one of the schools. She later began her career with the United States Postal Service in Isabel as a three-hour-per-week part-time mail clerk. Taking great pride in her postal
September 18, 1929 – October 18, 2023
service work and serving the community with extraordinary service, she eventually earned the position of Postmaster. She retired after 27 years of loyal and dedicated service.
The role of her lifetime was to be a loving, kind, and caring wife and mother. Lucy loved God, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and was a longtime faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Isabel where she volunteered countless hours participating in fellowship events. Lucy adored children, especially those that took the time to visit with her at church.
She and Gene genuinely enjoyed being together, especially going to their favorite casino in Mobridge. This tradition continued upon her move to Texas at the Naskila Casino, eventually pressing her luck by winning $10,000.00, receiving a giant check, and having her photo taken for the occasion.
She was an amazing quilter, lovingly stitching some of the most stunning quilts ever designed. When her son, Lee, was serving in his professional association, Legal Secretaries International Inc., she created a quilt that became a banner for the association’s charitable giving. The quilt followed each meeting of the association in different cities across the U.S. and, upon its return from each meeting, Lucy created an additional block, which noted the date and city of the meeting, to be inserted into the quilt. The quilt was admired by many people across the United States.
Community service was important to both Lucy and Gene. For many years, they worked one of the ticket gates at the South Dakota State Fair. They also supported and took part in numerous activities in their hometown, including activities relating to the Senior Citizens, Isabel Fire Department, High School Alumni Association, and Isabel’s annual celebration activities, to name a few.
Surviving are her son, Lee Schnabel of Houston, TX; special friends, Jonathan and Susan Semro, and their children Laura, Daniel, and Benjamin; very special friend, Rhonda Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Schnabel; her parents, Ernest and Byrda (Smith) Pladsen; and her sisters, Dorothy Pogany, Doris LaBonte, Ruby Lee Locken, Elaine Cundy, and Darlene Geyer.
A memorial service will be held in Isabel at a later date.
(Condolences may be sent to Lee Schnabel at 15722 Ridge Park Drive, Houston, TX 77095.)