Mylo Schnabel passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on May 20, 1942, in Menno, South Dakota, and grew up with the values of hard work, family, and perseverance that stayed with him throughout his life.
Raised on a farm outside Menno, Mylo spent his early years in a rural community before attending the University of South Dakota. In 1962, he married Brenda Gross, beginning a journey together that would last more than six decades. The young couple soon moved to California, where their only child, Jacqueline (Jackie), was born. Mylo began what would become a long and successful career with Pacific Bell—“the phone company,” as he always called it. Starting in 1962, he worked his way up through the organization and retired early in 1992 as a computer programming manager for the Yellow Pages division.
In 1993, Mylo and Brenda returned to South Dakota, settling in Sioux Falls. Never one to sit still, Mylo opened two Big‑O Tire stores, building these local businesses from the ground up. Even after selling the stores, he continued working, contributing his skills and energy to Citibank and later Schulte Subaru. Retirement, for Mylo, was never about slowing down—it was just another chance to try something new.
Mylo was a lifelong car enthusiast. A favorite being the 1957 two‑door Chevy Bel Air he and Brenda drove out west. He also maintained a keen interest in technology, staying curious and engaged long after his professional career ended. Mylo also enjoyed caring for his pets, usually keeping a sheltie or a cat as his “little buddy”.
Mylo was preceded in death by his parents Aaron and Olivia Schnabel, his brothers Delmar and Dennis, sister-in-law Joyce Schnabel, brother-in-law Keith Burns, and niece Julie (Burns) Schulte.
He is survived by his wife Brenda, his daughter Jackie Baker (Chris), three grandchildren—Tommy (Jessica Boll), Kaylee (Arnold Koo), and Jimmy— and one great‑grandson, Jesse. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Burns, his brother Milton Schnabel, and many nieces and nephews who were each very important to him.
Mylo will be remembered for his work ethic, his loyalty to family, his guidance and advice, and his ability to keep moving forward with purpose and enthusiasm. His legacy lives on in the many people whose lives he touched.
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