Kelly Joseph Schnabel

Kelly Schnabel was born May 2, 1962 to Curtis and Ethellyne Schnabel of Tripp, South Dakota. He attended Tripp Elementary and High School where he excelled in his math studies. As a graduating senior he was awarded the Vergene Klatt Math scholarship. After high school he attended South Dakota State University and studied economics.
While growing up in Tripp Kelly enjoyed sports, and he played football and basketball throughout high school. He was the center for the Wildcats during their 1980 bid for a state number one ranking. Kelly also enjoyed hunting elk and deer and fishing the Missouri River. He made everyone jealous as a young hunter when his Whitetail easily won the big buck contest in Parkston. He also briefly held the South Dakota state record for a smallmouth bass.
Always a free spirit he learned the construction craft from his dad, and it took him to adventures in Colorado, Hawaii, and back to South Dakota. After living in Hawaii for years he had to adjust back to the cold of the Midwest but was always glad to be back with friends and family. “Little Curly Construction" was his company’s name, and he enjoyed the time at home.
Kelly passed away on Monday, July 8, 2019 at the age of 57 years.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Ethellyne Schnabel.
He leaves behind three brothers Mark Schnabel, Tom Schnabel and Jerry Schnabel. Two sisters-in-laws Janelle Schnabel and Michelle Schnabel. Nieces and nephews include Trevor, Sara, and Courtney Schnabel of Nebraska, Jared and Jordan Schnabel of Colorado and Kloni Schnabel of Colorado and her son Dreeson.
A prayer service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, August 10th, at Goglin Funeral Home in Tripp. A Celebration of Kelly’s Life will follow at Ron’s Service on the corner of Highway 37 and Highway 18 north of Tripp. Starting at 5:00 pm everyone is welcome to pay their respects to Kelly and share your stories of his life.
This obituary was written in loving memory by the family of Kelly Schnabel.