NEWS

Descendants of John E. Schnabel reunite

For Daily Tribune Media

PORT EDWARDS – About 175 descendant members of the ancestral family (seven documented generations) of John E. Schnabel Sr. gathered at Camp Alexander on Nepco Lake during the weekend of Aug. 16 and 17.

John E. Schnabel Sr. was born in Donners-Kirchen, Austria, in 1849. He came to this country with his mother, Anna Maria (Bayer) Schnabel, when he was about 18 months old. In 1879, he arrived in this area.

He was known as "the father of the waterworks" in Wisconsin Rapids, organizing the first company to provide water and electric services. The company operated for some years until it was sold to the city. He was also an organizer of the Wood County Telephone Co. In 1892, he was elected mayor of Centralia (the community on the west side of the Wisconsin River, prior to being named Wisconsin Rapids).

He was the father of seven children, John E. Schnabel Jr., Fred M. Schnabel, Hattie (Schnabel) Lind, Emma M. Schnabel, Nellie (Schnabel) Dixon, Caroline D. Schnabel, Mae (Schnabel) Stetson, and two daughters who died shortly after birth. John E. Schnabel Sr. also had a half-sister Mary Schnabel-Bogoger who married John Stieb of Wisconsin Rapids.

In attendance were two grandchildren of John E. Schnabel Sr., they were Catherine Schnabel-Kasper (Fairmont, Minn.) the daughter of John E. Schnabel Jr., and Mary Catherine Schnabel (Milwaukee) the daughter of Fred M. Schnabel. Also in attendance was Margaret Sullivan-Schnabel of Wisconsin Rapids, the wife of deceased grandson James F. Schnabel.

Organizing the family reunion were Mary Anne (daughter of William A. Schnabel) Getzin and Maureen (daughter of James F. Schnabel) Schnabel of Wisconsin Rapids, and John P. Sullivan (son of Eleanor Schnabel-Sullivan) of Stevens Point. A family Facebook called "Schnabel Chronicles," established by James Kasper (son of Catherine Schnabel Kasper), has photos and fond memories posted by relatives spanning America from Hilton Head to San Diego.

Memorable decorations, enlarged photos, banners and colorful table coverings were arranged in the Main Lodge at Camp Alexander; thanks to Mark and Laura Getzin (Mary Anne's son and daughter-in-law) and Jill Getzin-Lamp (Mary Anne's daughter) for creating that festive and loving atmosphere. The ancestral history was recorded in genealogy documents by John P. Sullivan. His wife Mary embroidered each ancestor's unique family name on 90 colorful pennants spanning seven generations.

The relatives arrived Friday evening and were treated to a barbecue prepared by James and Peter Schnabel (sons of Margaret and James F. Schnabel). On Saturday morning, relatives gathered for a catered breakfast buffet; followed by an afternoon lunch; and Saturday evening they feasted on a catered Hawaiian pig roast. The main event occurred after the evening meal, when attending families of the seven siblings of John E. Schnabel Sr. introduced their respective family members.

During the family introductions, the relatives shared joyful memories of their Schnabel ancestors, whose lives were so humbly recorded; yet by sharing these memories of the Schnabel influence in the growth of Wisconsin Rapids, those in attendance that evening expanded their knowledge, understanding and pride of our Schnabel ancestors, as well as sharing with everyone their own family stories. All in attendance that weekend felt the warmth and closeness that comes from a family gathering.

On Sunday morning, the relatives attended Mass at the family parish of St. Peter and Paul in Wisconsin Rapids. John E. Schnabel Sr. and Jr. were the parish treasurers for 54 years.