Floyd Schnabel

Floyd Schnabel, 91, Ashley, ND left this life to be united and join his creator and other family and friends in heaven, January 3, 2026 at his son's home in Kulm, ND.

Floyd was born on June 28, 1934, the son of Julius and Ella (Weixel) Schnabel, beginning a life filled with love, hard work, faith, and devotion to family.

After completing eighth grade, Floyd went to work for the Adam Haar family, helping with farm chores. Those years helped shape the strong work ethic that would define him throughout his life. In his free time, he enjoyed trips to Lehr, ND and Ashley-where life would soon change forever.

One Saturday night in Ashley, Floyd noticed a beautiful young woman with bright fox-red hair walking toward the bowling alley. Darlene Quashnick caught his eye-and his heart. He would recount that moment with the same sparkle decades later. The two were married on June 24, 1956, at the Baptist Church in Lehr beginning a partnership that would span 63 loving years. Their marriage was rooted in love, laughter, communication, and deep respect-advice they later shared with family, always with a smile.

Following their wedding, Floyd and Darlene briefly lived in Lead, South Dakota, where Floyd worked at the Homestake Gold Mine. Realizing underground mining was not for him, they soon returned to North Dakota to farm with Darlene's father. Farming life was demanding, but together they built a home filled with care, resilience, and faith. They welcomed their son, Florian, and later their daughter, Felisa, raising their family with love and steady guidance.

Life on the ranch required constant effort-caring for livestock, and ensuring the family was always provided for. Floyd believed in "making hay while the sun shines" and in trusting God with what could not be controlled. When others complained about the weather, he would simply say, "Let it rain. Gods in control-you deal with the hand you're given." That calm, grounded outlook guided him throughout his life.

Floyd enjoyed horses, baseball, shooting gophers, attending auction sales, shooting pool, and, most of all, spending time with family.

He led by quiet example-patient, gentle, and firm without raising his voice (most of the time). He believed in responsibility, kindness, and doing his best. Sundays were for rest and church-unless a cow decided otherwise. Floyd served his community faithfully as Township Treasurer for nearly 40 years, always mindful of the land and the future.

Though once described as shy, Floyd became the quiet strength at the center of his family-wise, steady, humorous, and deeply loving. He lived a balanced life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and gratitude. His legacy lives on through the generations he nurtured and the values he lived with every day.

Floyd's 91 years reflect a life well lived-marked by optimism, resilience, and grace.
He will be deeply missed and forever cherished as a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

Floyd is survived by his children, Florian (Leona Pfiefle) Schnabel of Kulm and Felisa (Wayne) Mastel of Wahpeton, ND; grandchildren, Dylan (Jen) Schnabel, Dalton (Christian Maggio) Schnabel, Jessica (Parker) Robinson, and Joncy (Nathan) Thorpe; four great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley (Clyde) Essig; and sister-in-law, Vangie Kinzler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene, on September 13, 2019; his parents, Julius and Ella; his siblings, Gladys Becker, Wilbert, Jerry, and Sheila Schnabel; and his sisters-in-law, Elnora Kramlich and Betty Lou Nitschke.

Funerals services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Friday, January 9, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Kulm with Pastor Linda J. Schauer leading the service. Interment follows at Hillside Cemetery, Kulm. Pianist will be Lucinda Malm and the congregation will sing "Here I Am, Lord" and "I Love To Tell the Story"; Soloist Kermit Haar will sing "I Will Rise"; usher will be Keith Kinzler; and casketbearers will be Floyd's grandchildren and their spouses as well as nephews Russell Kinzler and Rodney Kinzler.

Visitation commences 9:30 AM Friday at the Church.

Services are in care of Carlsen-Lien Chapel, Ashley.