Renate Schnell Obituary

Anchorage resident Renate Christine Schnell, 60, died February 21, 2014, in Glendale, Arizona.

"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered come to me.' With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best". Author Unknown

As she wished, Renate was cremated in Sun City, AZ at Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Renate was born May 6, 1953, in Eschenbach, Germany to Hans B. and Hildegard (Reimelt) Holler.

She graduated from Realschule Auerbach/Opf in Auerbach, Germany, thereafter, studying abroad at Sacred Heart High School in Salina, Kansas. Renate graduated from Schmidt College in Munich, Germany; where she met her life-long friend Dagmar.

Renate and R. Bruce Hill, who did his military service in Grafenwoehr (Bavaria, Germany), met in Eschenbach and wed upon her arrival to Anchorage in 1975. Bruce passed away in 1985. Renate raised their four children in Anchorage while simultaneously managing a successful career with Nabors Drilling and Peak Oilfield Services. She was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and went in to remission for 10 years.

Renate and Scott D. Schnell met in 2002, fell in love and married in September 2009. Renate retired from Peak Oilfield Services as the Chief Financial Officer shortly after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2010.

Renate spent her retirement exhibiting an enduring strength and living life to its fullest with her loving husband, family and friends. She lived and loved in a way that was inspiring and will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Scott D. Schnell; daughters and son-in-laws, Farrah and Drew McLaughlin, Sabrina and Chris Hargrave, Dagny and Todd Smith; son, Christopher Hill; step-children, Trevor Schnell, Trenitie and Rob Yundt, Tyler and Olivia Schnell, Christine and Jade Eckle; father, Hans Holler; brothers, Johann, Christof, and Karl Holler; sister, Ulrike Lippert; and many wonderful grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Renate was preceded in death by her husband, R. Bruce Hill; mother, Hildegard Holler; sister, Maria Holler-Zangenfeind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Anchorage Museum on March 29, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Clean Air Challenge "Team Renate Schnell."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Mar. 2 to Mar. 3, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Renate Schnell

9 Entries

Kaye Dolphin

April 28, 2014

Scott, this message is late but no less heartfelt. I just learned of Renate's passing upon arriving back in Anchorage. My heart, love and prayers go out to you upon losing such an amazing person as Renate. She touched everyone she met with her courage, strength, humor and joy of life. I hope you find comfort in your wonderful memories of her. Take good care.

Astrid (Bee) Benz

March 28, 2014

Scott,
Bill and I are so saddened to hear of Renate's passing. We are so sorry for your untimely loss. Can't imagine the pain and sorrow that you are feeling.
Try to remember all the good times you have had together and hold them dear in your heart.

March 21, 2014

Sabrina and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Our prayers are with all of you during this time.

Dan and Carol Ryznar

Kelly Grawunder

March 11, 2014

My heart is so heavy with the loss of my friend Renate. Farrah, Sabrina, Dagny and Chris... I loved your Mom so much and miss her daily. She never gave up hope when we would talk, both of us scared of what the future was going to hold. She fought a valiant battle.
She was a fantastic woman, one of the strongest I ever knew.
Scott, I am so sorry for the loss of your best friend, you were so perfect together.
We have all lost a very dear person.

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Jim & Lucy Jantzen

March 3, 2014

Dear Scott and Family,
Lucy and I give our condolences and want you to know that Renate is now in very good hands. We have many good memories of her and we wish you and yours well. Love to you . Lucy and Jim Jantzen

Carol Vallee

March 3, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. Renate was a great, smart, funny woman. I will always remember her as a wonderful boss when I worked for Nabors and Peak. You will be greatly missed Renate!

March 3, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Please know that God is your comfort and support during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy.

Dick & Jeanne Thompson

March 2, 2014

To all of Renate's family. Renate was a dear friend for over 30 years. We were close to the four "little Hills" when you were growing up in Anchorage. Yes, a special light has left this world, but now she is an "angel" in heaven looking over everyone. We will miss her dearly. Our Love, Dick and Jeanne Thompson and family

Andria Hamilton

March 2, 2014

Sabrina and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Sending healing prayers your way. Dave and Andi

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