John Schnabel, of Antigo, died Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Aspirus Langlade Hospital at the age of 75. He was born on January 18, 1942 in Gary, Indiana a son of the late Clarence and Adelle (Frenzel) Schnabel. He married Nancy Runyon on October 12, 1963 at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio. She preceded him in death on February 12, 2016.

He graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1959.

On August 4, 1960 John enlisted in the United States Air Force. In the first five years of his career he served in the personnel department as a voluntary death notification officer. In this capacity he delivered the news to loved ones that their spouse, son or daughter had fallen in the line of duty, were a prisoner of war, or were missing in action. John was stationed at the Antigo Air Force Base in 1970 and in 1977 was stationed in Rhein Main, Germany where he served as First Sergeant for the 435th Supply Company. He also served as Personal Affairs Technician, having served in Vietnam and Thailand. He retired from his military service on August 31, 1980.

Following his career in the United States Air Force he continued serving his fellow veterans as the Langlade County Veterans Service Officer until his retirement in 2000. John served as as a past president of the National County Veterans Service Officers Association.

In his retirement he continued to work as a court appointed conservator for a number of families in the Antigo area.

Mr. Schnabel taught hunter safety courses at the Antigo Air Force Base and was a softball umpire for many years. He loved to read and enjoyed researching family genealogy.

Survivors include a daughter, Annette (Ronald) Noskowiak of Antigo; two sons, Edward (Lynette) Schnabel of Three Lakes and Timothy Schnabel of Minneapolis, Minn.; six grandchildren, Christopher (Heather) Noskowiak, Ryan Noskowiak, David (Beth) Schnabel, Zackeri Drill, David (Raechel) Drill and Beatrice Ibes; five great grandchildren; and a brother, Clarence "Jim" (Susie) Schnabel of Terre Haute, Ind. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Bakerman and Mavis Reeves.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 2 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, July 21 at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 22 from 1 to 2 p.m. Military Honor will take place following the service at the funeral home.

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