Kenneth Joseph "Ken" Schnur

Kenneth Joseph “Ken” Schnur, 89, of Chicora, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Butler Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.  He now lives in the hearts of those who loved him.

Born on October 11, 1932, in Butler, Kenneth was the tenth of twelve children born to the late William and Anna Spohn Schnur.

As a young man, he worked at the Schnur Greenhouse, helping his mother with the family business.  He joined the United States Army, was stationed in Japan during the Korean War, and earned the rank of corporal. At the age of 29, he went to work for the Penn Drake Refining Company in Karns City, and retired from Penreco following 33 years of service.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Nancy Ritzert Schnur, whom he married on June 29, 1957 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in North Oakland.  Together they raised a family of six children in Chicora. When they unexpectedly lost their adult daughter, Carol Ann, Kenneth and Nancy raised her son, Kadell, as their own.  Kenneth was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in the Village of North Oakland, where he loved singing at Mass. He and Nancy were active members of the church for many years. 

His loved ones will remember his enjoyment of gardening, fishing, commanding his tractor, and his mastery of small engine tinkering.  He was still riding his tractor and mowing the lawn up until his final weeks.  He cherished time with his family and adored each of his twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren, whom he was affectionately “Grandpap.”. He loved taking the grandchildren fishing and for walks in the woods.

In addition to his beloved wife of 64 years, Nancy Ritzert Schnur, Kenneth is survived by his children, Marjorie Shaner of Palm Harbor, FL, Tammy Bowser and her husband, Tim, of Chicora, Marsha Schnur of Chicora, Jeffery Schnur and his wife, Tracy, of Emlenton, and Terry  Schnur and his wife, Jody, of Butler; twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren are woven from his legacy, as are a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is also survived by a number of brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-law, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents and daughter, Carol Ann, Kenneth was preceded in death by six brothers and five sisters.

Kenneth Joseph Schnur surely lived. To those who love him most, he shall live forever.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 864 Chicora Rd., Chicora, with the Rev. Matt McClain, pastor of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, officiating.  Interment with military honors accorded by the Chicora and Brady’s Bend American Legion Posts will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in the Village of North Oakland. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Chicora Volunteer Fire Department, Draw F, Chicora, PA 16025.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

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