Carol Lynn Schnell

Carol Lynn Schnell, a beautiful and multi-faceted woman, earned her eternal rest at the age of 92, peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was born in Milwaukee WI on February 22, 1933 to Robert and Mildred Fisher. She grew up in Des Moines and Fort Dodge Iowa, graduating a year early at age 17 from Fort Dodge High School. She attended Iowa State University studying Applied Art. It was at ISU that her bubbly personality and sense of style allowed her to shine. As a member of Chi Omega sorority, Carol was selected as a military ball queen. From there she was on the VEISHA queen court and her photo was chosen by Bing Crosby to be the VEISHA queen of queens on May 16, 1952. She was crowned by none other than Cecile B. DeMille.

Carol's beauty and dance skills caught the eye of the ISU football captain, Maury Schnell. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on February 15, 1953. While Maury served his country in the Korean War, Carol attended Art school in Chicago and was scouted by a local modeling agency to appear in many ads for Macy's department store.

After Maury returned from war, they settled in Iowa City while Maury attended medical school and where their children Heidi and Brett were born. Carol committed herself to being the best mother she could be. She was a homeroom mom for both her children, Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader and created amazing birthday parties every year. Carol never missed a play, recital, musical or sporting event of her children. She was a legend for Iowa City trick or treaters as she created elaborate scary Halloween costumes and decor so no one missed the Schnell house!

In 1973, Carol moved to Charlottesville VA with her family and began her life as an independent woman. While still attending every activity of her high school children, she developed her passion of gardening in her yard. Carol created extraordinary gardens all over her large back yard which she worked on every day until her illness. She was on the Charlottesville garden tour several times. From her gardening passion, she trained to become a Master Gardener floral judge. She also created floral designs which won many blue ribbons in state floral shows. She was chosen to design Christmas scapes at celebrity homes in Virginia, which included John Grisham's home.

Carol's father Robert Fisher was an 8 letterman at ISU and was a teammate and friend of Jack Trice. From those athletic genes came Carol's ability to master tennis, squash (beating many men in her club) golf, water and snow skiing, and above all, a wicked ping pong player; challenging anyone who came to her house to a match! She loved to entertain and hosted many dinner parties with intricate tablescapes and culinary delights while always making her guests feel welcome. Carol had an eye for style and elegance.She knew how to thrift designer outfits matching the perfect accessories and shade of lipstick. Interior design was another area which Carol excelled. She made any home look like Architectural Digest, even on a very tight budget in married student housing in Iowa City. In her most recent Charlottesville home of 53 years, she used African accents and other travel treasures she acquired from the 52 countries where she was fortunate to travel.

Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They affectionately called her "Gee". She never missed attending any activities with her Virginia granddaughters and spent many years traveling to Iowa for her six grandchildren's births, adoptions, (including traveling to Russia with Heidi to bring Lauren home to her new family), birthdays, sacraments, graduations, holidays and many travels with children and grandchildren. She even designed the St Augustin courtyard rosary garden ( in honor of Alice Grace) which was the school her Iowa grandchildren attended. "Gee" made costumes for grandchildren for their school plays and never missed a performance. She was proud of the fact that five of her eight grandchildren attended ISU, her alma mater. She was also able to witness and "cut a rug" at five weddings of the grandchildren.

At the end of her life, the greatest joy came from visits of her great-grandchildren singing and dancing for her.

Fearless and feminine, she lived and died on her own terms. She fully participated in all 92 years of her life. She taught us the meaning of "showing up" to support those you love dearly.

She is survived by her daughter, Heidi (Steve) Grace of West Des Moines Iowa and son Brett (Karen) Schnell of Charlottesville Virginia, and sister in law, Evelyn Fisher of West Des Moines Iowa.

Grandchildren Kyle(Kerri) Grace, Colin (Katie) Grace, Laura "Libby" (Guthrie) Grace, Ethan Grace, Lauren Grace, Devon(Valerie) Grace, Megan (Tony) Galliart, Katie Schnell. Great grandchildren Dalton, Whitney and Lyla Grace.

Also surviving are nephew Marshall Stanek, nieces Sara Stanek Hale and Deanna Poyfair.

Carol was preceded in death by father Robert Fisher, mother Mildred Fisher, stepmother Vera Fisher, brother Tom Fisher, sister Nancy Stanek, nephew Keith Stanek and niece Cheryl Dahm.

The family wishes to thank Unity Point Taylor House hospice doctor and nurses for their incredible care the past 30 days. In lieu of flowers or any other gifts, please feel free to donate to Taylor House hospice on behalf of Carol Schnell.

Celebration of Life for Carol with her family will be on Sunday September 7 at Des Moines Golf and Country Club from 12 -2; visitation with lunch served at 12 and short memorial service at 1 pm. We welcome anyone to join us. Private family burial will be earlier at Jordan Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com