Joyce Marie Schnell

Hamel, Minnesota - Joyce Marie Schnell, 85, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, July 25, 2026. A true fighter, Joyce faced numerous medical challenges with remarkable strength, grace, and determination until the very end.

Joyce was born on April 4, 1941, in Anoka, Minnesota, and grew up in Robbinsdale as the oldest of seven children. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Robbinsdale High School. Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, generous heart, and the love she gave so freely to her family, friends, community, and her beloved horses, cats, and dogs.

At the age of 19, while horseback riding with a friend, Joyce met the love of her life, Mark Schnell. After just 30 days, Mark asked her to marry him, and the two were united in marriage in 1961. Together they built a wonderful life, raising four children and creating countless memories through family camping trips, horse shows, and adventures together.

Joyce's passion for horses remained constant throughout her life. She proudly spent more than 60 years as an active member of the Trail Dusters of Hamel Saddle Club, where she built lifelong friendships and shared her love of riding with others. As the club's announcer for many years, Joyce became known for her signature catchphrase, "Sorry, no time".

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Joyce was a devoted member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Hamel, SS Peter & Paul in Loretto and generously gave her time through volunteer work with her parish, the Hamel & Loretto Lions Clubs, and the Hamel Rodeo. She believed in serving others and quietly made a lasting impact on her community through her kindness and dedication.

Joyce spent many years employed at Tom Thumb in Hamel, Farmers State Bank of Hamel, and the Medina Ballroom. No matter where she worked, she was known for her reliability, warm smile, and genuine care for others.

Above all else, Joyce treasured her family. She rarely missed a birthday, holiday, or family celebration. She loved gathering everyone together, whether around the dinner table or for a card game. She enjoyed playing poker with her siblings, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, bowling, and watching westerns and soap operas. She was an exceptional cook whose apple pie, deviled eggs, potato salad, and lefse became cherished family favorites that will be remembered for generations.

Joyce had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. Whether exploring the open road with family and friends or flying to destinations such as London, Prague, Hawaii, Mexico, Las Vegas, and a Caribbean cruise, she embraced every opportunity to experience something new. No matter where she traveled, she found joy in the experience and in the people she shared it with.

Joyce is survived by her children, Kevin (Josh) Schnell, Lori (Shawn) Manee, and Vicky (Dan) DesLauriers; her five beloved grandchildren, Katie (Justin) Polak, Kodie Euerle, Samantha (Mitch) Swanson, Dylan (Karlee) DesLauriers, and Courtney (Brady) Manee; her siblings, Russ (Sandy) Horbal, Karen (Don) Langford, and Becky Burton; along with many treasured nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and her cherished cat, Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mark Schnell; her cherished daughter, Julie Euerle; her parents, Gus and Sylvia Horbal; and her siblings, Ray, Bobby and Joanne Horbal.

Joyce's legacy is one of unconditional love, unwavering faith, hard work, generosity, and devotion to family. She taught those around her the value of kindness, perseverance, and finding joy in life's simple moments. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Special thanks to the staff at Trillium Woods for their compassionate care and attentive support of Joyce over the past several months.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Thursday, August 6 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM Friday, August 7 at the Church of St. Anne, 200 Hamel Rd, Hamel.