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Lonnie Gene Schnakenberg
Lonnie Gene Schnakenberg was born on December 24, 1959 in Hastings, NE and passed from this life on January 4, 2023 in Tucson, AZ.
When Lonnie was four years old, his mother Elvira, married Harlan Schnakenberg who became his father through adoption. As the eldest of seven children, he helped look after his brothers and sisters and thoroughly enjoyed teasing each and every one.
Lonnie attended Deshler Public School in Deshler, NE and graduated in 1978. While in high school he excelled in wrestling and cross country. He qualified for the State Wresting Tournament his sophomore, junior and senior years.
After high school he attended Central Community College in Hastings, NE and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Technology in 1982. While attending college he met the love of his life, Shirley (Schenk) Schnakenberg, his wife of 41 years. They were married on December 31, 1981 and spent the majority of their married life in Arizona. While living in Tucson, Lonnie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1994.
Lonnie’s first job after college was with Lichti’s TV and Appliance in Geneva, NE. A job opportunity arose for him to work at Hughes Aircraft in Tucson, AZ where his job was to maintain quality control of missile inspection. They then moved to Phoenix where he was employed with the Water Conservation Management Program. His job was working with local farmers to improve and conserve their water source. The next employment opportunity was with Case Proving Grounds where he was a supervisor of product quality control. In 1998 he had the opportunity to return to Tucson and became an instructor/manager for Rainbird International. From there he accepted a manager position with the Sears call center.
Lonnie enjoyed several hobbies throughout his life including raising tropical fish, rescuing unwanted parrots, enjoying the Arizona wildlife, bike riding and restoring Tonka Toys. Lonnie and Shirley also enjoyed leisurely trips with their camping trailer visiting family and friends.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his other, Elvira (Kershner) Schnakenberg; grandparents, Cecil and Viola Kershner, George and Edna Schnakenberg; brother-in-law, Rudy Perales, various aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Oro Valley, AZ; father, Harlan of Deshler, NE; brothers, Michael of Glenvil, NE, Bruce of Maxwell, NE and Derek (Jennifer) of Carleton, NE; sisters, Kimberly Perales of Watauga, TX, Robin (James) Gallaher of Winterport, MI and Barbara (Bradley) Drohman of Hastings, NE; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Inturnment was held at the Davenport Cemetery in Davenport, NE.
