Bernard “Bernie” M. Schnoes – Paullina, Iowa
Services for Bernard “Bernie” M. Schnoes, 92, of Paullina, who passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at his home. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Paullina with Rev. Donald Meyer,
officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Prairie View Cemetery in Paullina. Visitation with family present will be from 10 A.M. until service time on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Paullina.
Arrangements are under the care of the Eldridge Family Funeral Home in Paullina.
Bernard Michael Schnoes was one of eight children born to John M. and Kathryn (Schwarz) Schnoes on March 25, 1933, on a farm near Marcus, Iowa. At the age of six, he moved with his family to Alton and graduated from Alton St. Mary’s Academy in 1952. After high school, he moved to Paullina, where he began working for the Paullina Dairy.
On March 26, 1955, he married Phyllis Stoever at St. John Lutheran Church in Germantown, Iowa. Together, they made their home in Paullina and lovingly raised five children. As a couple, they enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golfing, fishing, and attending their children’s and grandchildren’s many activities.
In December 1954, Bernie was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany in July 1955 and received an honorable discharge in December 1956. After returning home, he resumed work at the Paullina Dairy. In 1958, he began his long career with the Paullina Farmers Elevator, where he worked for 30 years before retiring at the age of 55.
A devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church since 1958, he faithfully served in various leadership roles over the years. He was also a proud 47 – year member of Russell West Post #95 of the American Legion. Alongside his wife, he managed the American Legion Building from 2005 to 2022, where he took great joy in visiting with everyone at the many dances, receptions, and community events.
Bernie had a lifelong love of fishing. His first trip to Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota came at the age of 15, and it sparked a tradition that would last a lifetime. In 1965, he began bringing his family to the lake, creating cherished memories year after year. In the early 1990s, he and his wife spent four summers working at the resort, eventually purchasing a trailer and spending countless days at what became their beloved home away from home. His final trip was in September 2024, where he proudly reeled in one last catch – a “nice” walleye.
Survivors include Phyllis, his wife of 70 years. Five children and their spouses, DaNita and Tim Patrick of Paullina, Deanne and Larry Hoger of Paullina, Danny and Connie Schnoes of Valley, Nebraska, Doug and Pam Schnoes of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and Daryl Schnoes of Paullina; eighteen grandchildren, Andrea (Curtis) Nielsen, Paul (Clarice) Vincent, Kayla (Adam) Koster, Logan Patrick, Holly (Bill) Klink, Levi (Ashley) Hoger, Hope (Brian) McDonald, Dylan Hoger, Luke (Delancey) Hoger, Whitney (Justin) Asche, Jordan (Alexandra) Schnoes, Morgan Schnoes, Paige (Nick) Anderson, Abby Schnoes, Colin Schnoes, Allison (Dean) Huebner, September (Charlie) Koster, and Amy (Zach) Strohm; twenty-seven great grandchildren, Faye, Ellison, Dayvian, Adalya, Rilynn, Jarome, Jaylah, Karl, Landan, Ronin, Reina, Wade, Brynn, Samson, Avery, Lincoln, Adelayde, Beckham, Reagan, William, Chloe, Evan, Caleb, Natalie, Emily, Henry, and Jack. He is also survived by a sister, Maggie Ehlers and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathryn, four sisters, Kathleen Pawlowski, Elsie Albers, Bertha Dykstra, and Esther Malcom and two brothers, Frank and John Schnoes.