Ronald D. Schnelle

Ronald D. "Red" Schnelle, age 78, a life-long resident of Portersville, passed away on Sunday, May 31 ,2026 at his home, following an illness.

He was born on January 10,1948 in New Castle, PA, the second of four sons to Arthur G. and Thelma P. (Weidenhof) Schnelle.

Ron graduated from Slippery Rock Area Joint High School in 1966. He worked at Pullman standard Butler Works until he was drafted, and then again after his service until the plant closed in 1982. He then began his career as a building contractor, first as Geodesic Construction Company and then later as Schnelle Custom Homes. He built more than 30 log homes, conventional houses and geodesic domes, including his own home and the first log cabins at Moraine State Park.

Ron married Karen Jean Woessner of Prospect on September 14,1974 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Prospect. They were married for 51 years.

He was a member of English Lutheran Church, Zelienople.

Ron served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 and spent a year in Viet Nam as a section chief in Battery C, First Battalion, 30th Artillery of the First Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

He was honorably discharged August 29,1969 with the rank of Sargent. He received the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and "V" device. He maintained close friendships with his army buddies from New York, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota for 57 years. He was proud to be a veteran and yet humble when thanked for his service.

Ron was a lifetime member of the Portersville-Muddycreek Twp. VFD and actively served for over 50 years. He was the 2013 Fireman of the Year and Santa Claus at the annual Christmas party for 14 years.

He was a member of The American Legion Post 474, Zelienople, PA and VFW Post 249, Butler, PA and served on the Honor Guard for many years. He was a lifetime member of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment Association and was awarded the Shield of St. Barbara, patron saint of the Field Artillery, and the Honorary Air Assault Badge from the First Cavalry Division. He and Karen attended association annual reunions in Ft. Sill, Lake George, Branson, and Cleveland.

Ron had many interests, including NASCAR and dirt track racing, WW Il, and motorcycles. He made three trips throughout the West on a motorcycle. He loved to travel and he and his family made numerous trips to Florida to visit his parents. In 2021, he and Karen became snowbirds.

Ron's real passion was golf. He loved to play, read about and watch golf. He was always searching for the next thing to improve his game. He played in several leagues and every Sunday morning at Stoughton Acres Golf Course.   He scored 3 holes-in-one during 51 years of play. He always said that when he was getting ready to travel, the first thing he packed was his golf clubs. He and Karen played many courses during their travels.

Ron is survived by his wife, “My Beautiful Karen”, his loving daughter, Amy Marie “Baby Girl” and her husband Alejandro Molina, and his beloved granddaughter, Mia Casiopea Molina, all of Cortlandt Manor, NY. He is also survived by his brother, Timothy Schnelle of Ocala, FL, 2 dear sisters-in-law, Patricia Grossman of New London, WI and Virginia Schnelle of Dunnellon, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. He also had a son, Michael John Schnelle and 2 grandsons, Jasper Michael Schnelle and Rowen Alan Schnelle.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, brothers Arthur “Jack” and Christopher Schnelle and his in-laws, Clifford and Sarah Woessner.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 4,2026, from 2pm to 6pm with the Fireman’s final call at 6pm, at the Raisley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, pc., 387 Main Street, Prospect. 

Funeral Service will be on Friday, June 5,2026 at 11am, in the Raisley Funeral Home with Rev Robert Keplinger, officiating.

Interment with military honors will be at Greenlawn Burial Estates, Butler.

The family wishes to thank VNA Hospice, especially Nathan, Tina, and Mackenzie for their kind care and concern.

Memorial donations may be made to the English Lutheran Church, 200 E Grandview Ave, Zelienople, PA 16063, or to the Portersville-Muddycreek Twp. Vol. Fire Department, 1151 W Portersville Rd, Portersville, PA 16051.

For more information or to leave an online tribute, go to www.raisleyfuneralhome.com

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