Danny Lee Schnell

Scottsdale - Danny Lee Schnell, 85, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away comfortably in his home on August 8th, 2018. Danny was born in Boulder, Colorado and raised in Williams, Arizona. He was a wonderful, loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather. Danny is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice (Burrage), sister Sandra (Wilsey), four daughters Stephanie (Marty) Johnson, Kelly (Bill) Weaver, Sherrylee (Gary) Price, and Tracey Foreman, and eight grandchildren. He was a star basketball player at Williams High School in Williams, Arizona before graduating in 1951. After graduating high school, he served in the Navy during the Korean War. Danny attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and later went on to work for Motorola for 30 years before retiring in 1993. After retiring, he became a Master Gardener volunteer with the Maricopa County extension service. In addition to being a Master Gardener, Danny loved to spend his time camping, golfing, fishing, and volunteering at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. A Memorial Service will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary on Saturday, August 11th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southland Hospice, and the Maricopa County Master Gardener program.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Aug. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Danny Schnell

Sponsored by Messinger Mortuaries-Pinnacle Peak Mortuary Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.

17 Entries

Frank

August 4, 2025

Well another year and your friendship lives on. Thanks for the memories.

Frank Williams

August 4, 2024

Danny drove through Williams last year and remembered the time you were in Australia and we had prime rib for Christmas. Susie hasn't forgotten that she had to carry it home in her back pack. Not happy Jan.

Frank Williams

August 4, 2022

Oh Dan think of you often. Loved our chats. Still remember replacing your roof and drove trailer to dump and trailer came off of the hitch. Boy was i lucky no accident. We miss you Danny.

Frank Willams

August 4, 2021

Danny you were the best friend. Think of you often. So does Susie and the prime rib in backpack ride home on the bike.
Love ya

Raymond C. Wiley

August 21, 2018

I just learned of Danny passing yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with you Alice and the family.

Danny-san (as he was known in Japan) changed my life when he offered me a job in Japan working for him. I met some unbelievable people, experienced another culture a world away, and eventual met my future wife. He was a great mentor, manager, and friend. I have nothing but very good memories of our time working together that I will never forget. I am so blessed that he came into my life!

Frank Williams

August 16, 2018

Well what can I say you were one of a kind. I thank you for your friendship and humor. You will be missed by all. No more phone calls but i will be talking to you anyway.
The best to Alice and the family during these sad times.

RIP

Frank & Susie Williams
Western Australia

Mike and Debby Luciano

August 11, 2018

My wife and I attended the service today. It was good to see Danny's wife Alice and daughters Stephanie , Kelly, sherilee , and Tracy. My parents were good friends of the Schnell's. Us kids all grew up in " old Scottsdale". We lived on the next street from Danny and the girls.
Danny was a great guy. Will never forget his smile and sense of humor.
He built a small telescope way back when and gave it to me when I was about 9 years old. He knew I was interested in the Apollo missions and loved space. Will never forget you Danny.
Love Mike and Debby Luciano

Tobie Denney

August 11, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Danny's passing. He was a Motorola staple. A great leader who was very loved by all that knew him. I will always have the fondest memories, but mostly of his positive attitude and the laughter he brought to those around him.

DAWN BURDO

August 10, 2018

Danny you were one of the great men I knew in my life. Thank you for all of the laughter and friendship. You made your mark on this earth and will will be missed by all. Love Dawn

August 10, 2018

My condolences for your loss. May fond memories and the love of family and friends sustain you during this difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11.

Brigid Meehan

Sent Flowers

DALE JOHNSON

August 10, 2018

Always a pleasure working with Danny at Motorola. A really good guy!!

Cherie Czaplicki

August 10, 2018

Danny was my mentor as a Master Gardener, i was in the class the year after him (he took the class in 1993). He was already working the Master Gardener desk at Cooperative Extension, where I volunteered after I completed the class, in October, 1994. There he was, every Wednesday afternoon, and taught me how to answer questions from the public on the phones and walk-ins, and do the research. He worked with me on many events and other committees, and his good nature, great smile and knowledge will be remembered fondly by me.
Blessings to Alice, Stephanie and his other daughters whom I have not met. You had a great man in your life.

Bill Carns

August 10, 2018

Danny was such a gentleman and friend. He was always a bright and reliable spot in your work day. My condolences to all of his family and friends.

Waterfall Friends

August 9, 2018

Tracy at times like this, words seem so inadequate, please know we are praying for you and your family.

Cindy Adams

August 9, 2018

So sorry to hear about your dad passing. We are thinking of your family in this time of sorrow . He was such a wonderful father and so much fun to be around. He always made us laugh.

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