Parkston – Theodore “Ted” William Schnell, 84, went to his heavenly home Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Avera Bormann Manor.  Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 23 at 11:00 am, with a visitation starting at 10:00 am, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Dimock. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

Ted was born June 17, 1941 to Paul and Lucille (Schumacher) Schnell in Parkston, SD.  He attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Parkston High School in 1959. Ted continued his education at Augustana College and through various correspondence courses and technical schools. Ted helped on the family farm and worked at Mitchell music for more than five years where he repaired musical instruments and delivered and tuned organs. He eventually took over the family farm, dedicating his life to farming. In his mother’s later years, he served as her devoted caregiver dedicating his time and life to ensuring she received the best care possible.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, most notably with his nieces and nephews, and traveling, especially the trips he took with his uncle, sister and brother-in-law.  He loved music and playing the accordion, had a large gun collection and a huge collection of model tractors, cars and farm equipment.He also enjoyed car races at Huset’s Speedway and the cars he owned including a Mustang, several convertibles and his many pickups. 

Grateful for having shared his life are his sister, Mary Lou (John) Giddings of Sioux Falls, SD; two nieces, Jen (Dale) Ebbinga of Madison, SD, and her children: Jacob, Karissa, Jordan and Karly, Lisa (Kris) Davidson of Rock Rapids, IA, and her children: Errika, Steven, Kody, and Tyler; a nephew, Aaron (Stacy) Giddings of Milwaukee, WI, and his children: Sloane and Karsyn; and three great-great-nephews, Braxton, Andrew, and Colson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ruth Van Roekel, and her children: Paula, Eric, and an infant son; his brother-in-law Roger Van Roekel; grandparents; aunts; uncles; and several cousins.