William E Schnell obituary, Northbrook, IL

In memory of

William E Schnell

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Gordon Lawrence Jones

August 23, 2025

His life and his leadership inspired both young and not so young people to lead better lives, especially those who enjoyed music.

Eric Schnell

August 13, 2025

Love you so much Dad.

Leigh Bailey

August 11, 2025

Your dad was a remarkable musician and mentor Eric. My condolences to you and your family for your loss.
- Leigh B.

Gretchen Werhane Machacek

August 6, 2025

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers for you and your family

Wayne Clayton

August 5, 2025

One of my favorite memories of Doc is when he started the Titan Male Chorus. In the early days, the group was small, but we had such fun-and it drew more guys into the music program.

What stands out most in my mind is Doc´s excitement and determination to make it work. His passion was contagious, and it inspired all of us.

Bless your heart, Doc. My heartfelt sympathy to all of the family.

Scott Lothian

August 3, 2025

Doc, thank you for the gift of music that you have given to so many throughout your years. Your patience, kindness, and talent helped make a difference in my life well beyond music from day one. God bless you and your family.

Rebecca S. Kuchar

August 3, 2025

So sad to learn about Doctor Schnell's passing. I have found memories of him from First Presbyterian. Sending well wishes and big hugs to Eric and Steve.

Nicki Koutsoukos

August 2, 2025

Doc you made me love concert choir and were my very favorite teacher. So thankful my son (GBS) was able to meet you last Summer. Your memory will be eternal. Thank you. XO Nicki K.

Todd Gernady

August 2, 2025

What a great person and musician and teacher. Doc was such an inspiration and one of the reasons I majored in music education. I have such fond memories of choir and Techny. He will certainly be missed and left an indelible mark on so many.

Lilly Jenkins

August 2, 2025

I was saddened to hear of your passing. Your passion for music and teaching was one of the driving forces behind my becoming a teacher. You made more of an impact than you would ever know. I hope you are smiling down on us all. Prayers for your family.

Tammy

August 2, 2025

When I heard of Doc Schnell´s passing. I was truly heartbroken. He was such an inspiration to me and so many others. He impacted my life so much. My condolences go out to his family. May you Rest in Peace Doc Schnell!!!

Jeannie Tracz-Kirking

August 1, 2025

This picture of Doc Schnell is from my wedding day at the Glenview Community Church. 11/05/1994

Jeannie Tracz-Kirking

August 1, 2025

I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of my cherished choir director Doc Schnell. His presence in my life has been a profound blessing. He will be sorely miss by me and countless other individuals. His ability to touch lives with his musical talents and kindness was second to none.
A special memory I hold near to my heart was when Doc graciously accepted my invitation to play the organ at my wedding ceremony and accompany my sister Patty who was playing a double role of Matron of Honor and singer at my wedding. Doc will forever remain my most beloved teacher.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Schnell family and to everyone who knew and loved him as much as I did.

Eileen bellon

August 1, 2025

Thank you for talents and great teaching.

Nancy Koenig

August 1, 2025

My condolences to Doc´s family. I was so lucky to have had Doc at GBS! My years of teaching music in Glenview were certainly influenced by the joy he brought to teaching with his happy, kind & fun spirit! Bless you Doc Schnell!

Lisa gilliland

August 1, 2025

While I wasn´t a student of doc schnell, he played such a huge role in my brother becoming the person he became.... I like to think that they are up there together sharing a laugh or three .... Sending lots of love

Sandy Pedersen

August 1, 2025

I was so lucky to have Doc as a teacher all 4 years of high school. He was always kind, intelligent and funny! He was so knowledgeable and inspired us to work at very high levels. We would live in a different world if all teachers could be a little like him.

Tricia

August 1, 2025

"Awwwww..." This is the man I've known and loved my whole life. What beautiful life and legacy.

Jackie Shim Bryant

August 1, 2025

Our mentors can have a very meaningful impact on our lives, and for the best of them, the ripples of their influence go on for years and years, and pass down to many others.

As a 14 year old I tried out for the school musical, with only church choir as my background. I sang for Doc Schnell, and after I didn´t get cast, he gently prodded me to try out for the school choir. I did and was placed in the choir he directed, the Master Singers. In that choir I learned so much about singing, voice control, blend, harmony, sight reading, and choir skills from the master himself.

I went on to sing in high school productions, college and beyond, with music always a hobby. I introduced music instruction early to all three of my kids, and two sang in choirs, one through college. I still sing today in a treble choir (the Wacquettes), and with the Vero Beach Choral Society. When I learned of Doc´s passing on Monday, I had just walked out of a concert I had sung that afternoon.

Here´s to Doc Schnell, and a photo of us as he directed an alumni reunion choral concert at GBS in 2012. I´m glad I was able to keep in touch with him and let him know how much he influenced me and my life. I hope he finds my other musical mentors, wherever they land - Sally Clonts, Walter Lamble, and Grigg Fountain.

Jackie Shim Bryant (GBS master singer 1978-1981)

Michael

August 1, 2025

If as a music educator, had Doc wore a number it would have been retired years ago. RIP Doc. You affected and influenced countless young minds, including my own.

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