Mabel Johanna Schnabel, 91, of Merrill, passed away Friday, October 22, 2010 at Bell Tower Residence under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Mabel was born September 13, 1919 to the late Carl & Martha (Klebenow) Hafferman in Merrill. She married Donald E. Schnabel May 14, 1941 in Merrill. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1997.
Mabel was a graduate of Merrill Senior High School. After graduation, she attended Milwaukee Business School. Mabel worked as a legal secretary and as a part time Lincoln County court reporter where she met her husband Donald.
She was a loving and devoted mother to her eight children. Mabel was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Catholic Women’s Club where she had served as president. Mabel was also a member of the Civic Study Club, a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She belonged to numerous Bridge Clubs as well. Mabel was a charter member of the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the Merrill Historical Society. Mabel had little time for hobbies, having a greater interest in her children’s activities, but she did enjoy snowmobiling with the Good Times Snowmobile Club in Gleason.
She is survived by her eight children: Susan (Ken) Mills of Richmond, VA, Kristine (Don) Witt of Brookfield, WI, Mary (Dick) Hein of Sebring, FL, Ginny (Steve) Drew of Merrill, Marcy (Dave) Barney, also of Merrill, Katy (Mike) Weckwerth of Irma, Anne (Keith) Donner of Merrill and Donald (Julie) Schnabel of Oshkosh; twenty-one grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald and one brother, Orville Hafferman.
The family requests memorials be given to Bell Tower Residence, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or the Merrill Historical Society.
Services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, October 28, 2010 at Bell Tower Residence Chapel. Father Tom Zelinski OFM Cap will officiate. Friends may call from 9-11 AM, also at Bell Tower. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.