Schnelle

Ronald D. “Red” Schnelle, 78, a lifelong resident of Portersville, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026, at his home, following an illness.

He was born Jan. 10, 1948, in New Castle, the second of four sons, to Arthur G. and Thelma P. (Weidenhof) Schnelle.

Ron graduated from Slippery Rock Area Joint High School in 1966. He worked at Pullman Standard Butler Works until he was drafted and then again after his service until the plant closed in 1982. He then began his career as a building contractor, first as Geodesic Construction Company and then later as Schnelle Custom Homes. He built more than 30 log homes, conventional houses and geodesic domes, including his own home and the first log cabins at Moraine State Park.

Ron married Karen Jean Woessner, of Prospect, on Sept. 14, 1974, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Prospect. They were married for 51 years.

He was a member of English Lutheran Church, Zelienople.

Ron served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 and spent a year in Vietnam as a section chief in Battery C, 1st Battalion, 30th Artillery of the 1st Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

He was honorably discharged Aug. 29, 1969, with the rank of sergeant. He received the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” device. He maintained close friendships with his army buddies from New York, Kansas, Wisconsin and Minnesota for 57 years. He was proud to be a veteran and yet humble when thanked for his service.

Ron was a lifetime member of the Portersville-Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department and actively served for over 50 years. He was the 2013 Fireman of the Year and Santa Claus at the annual Christmas party for 14 years.

He was a member of American Legion Post 474, Zelienople, and VFW Post 249, Butler, and served on the honor guard for many years. He was a lifetime member of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment Association and was awarded the Shield of St. Barbara, patron saint of the Field Artillery, and the Honorary Air Assault Badge from the First Cavalry Division. He and Karen attended association annual reunions in Fort Sill, Lake George, Branson and Cleveland.

Ron had many interests, including NASCAR and dirt track racing, World War II and motorcycles. He made three trips throughout the West on a motorcycle. He loved to travel and he and his family made numerous trips to Florida to visit his parents. In 2021, he and Karen became snowbirds.

Ron’s real passion was golf. He loved to play, read about and watch golf. He was always searching for the next thing to improve his game. He played in several leagues and every Sunday morning at Stoughton Acres Golf Course. He scored three holes-in-one during 51 years of play. He always said that when he was getting ready to travel, the first thing he packed was his golf clubs. He and Karen played many courses during their travels.

Ron is survived by his wife, “My Beautiful Karen;” his loving daughter, Amy Marie “Baby Girl,” and her husband, Alejandro Molina, and his beloved granddaughter, Mia Casiopea Molina, all of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. He is also survived by his brother, Timothy Schnelle, of Ocala, Fla.; two dear sisters-in-law, Patricia Grossman, of New London, Wis., and Virginia Schnelle, of Dunnellon, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also had a son, Michael John Schnelle; and two grandsons, Jasper Michael Schnelle and Rowen Alan Schnelle.

Ron was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Arthur “Jack” and Christopher Schnelle; and his in-laws, Clifford and Sarah Woessner.

The family wishes to thank VNA Hospice, especially Nathan, Tina and Mackenzie for their kind care and concern.

SCHNELLE — Visitation for Ronald D. “Red” Schnelle, who died Sunday, May 31, 2026, will be from 2 to 6 p.m., with the fireman’s final call at 6 p.m., on Thursday, June 4, at RAISLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 387 Main St., Prospect.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, at the funeral home.

Interment with military honors will be at Greenlawn Burial Estates, Butler.

Memorial donations may be made to English Lutheran Church, 200 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, PA 16063; or to the Portersville-Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, 1151 W. Portersville Road, Portersville, PA 16051.

For more information or to leave an online tribute, go to www.raisleyfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.