Dean A. Schnippel

Dean A. Schnippel, 54, of Botkins, passed away 6:48 a.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, Ohio, after a 4 year battle with cancer. He was born April 7, 1969, in St. Marys, Ohio, the son of Daniel (Rita-dec) Schnippel & Patricia (Schipper) “David” Butcher, who survive in Botkins. Other survivors include, a brother, Shane (Anna) Schnippel, Botkins, a sister, Emily (Joseph) Schnarre, Wapakoneta, step-brothers & step-sisters, Timothy Butcher, Wapakoneta, Frank Mitchell, Indiana, Dale (Jamie) Secrest, Celina, Ohio, Terri (Jason) King, Botkins, Ohio, Bre McMurray, St. Marys, Ohio. The family would like to give special recognition to his cousin and fellow Navy vet , Marie Huffman, Navy vet , Pat Shima, and numerous cousins, friends, and vets who helped Dean out during this difficult time. He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Rita Schnippel; step-brothers, Michael Butcher & Jeff Toler; his grandparents, John & Catherine (Metz) Schnippel and Norbert & Theresa (Stinebaugh) Schipper; great grandparents, Flossie & Henry Metz, both of whom he was especially close to growing up. Dean was a 1987 graduate of Botkins High School, and served in the U.S. Navy form June 1986 to July 1997. He was a GMG1 Petty Officer 1St Class during his Navy career. Dean graduated from Great Lakes as a Gunner’s Mate. In 1989, he was assigned to the Special Boat Unit #12 in San Diego, CA. He served in Central America, Alaska, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Dean received numerous “Letters of Appreciation and Commendations”. He loved HSB #12 and the guys he served with. It was his home away from home. After his service in the U.S. Navy, Dean worked in Texas for 5 years and then returned to Ohio and started his own business, “Dean Schnippel Services”. Using AutoCAD, he designed plans for parts, electrical panels, and machines which he constructed for numerous businesses. He also did portable welding, repaired motors, machines, farm equipment and guns, new and old. Dean was a member of the American Legion and the CCCA (Combatant Craft Crewmen Association). Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Fr. Michael Willig officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Botkins, where military rites will be conducted. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., Friday, March 15, and 1 hour prior to the service, Saturday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the CCCA or the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Dean A. Schnippel

April 7, 1969 - March 5, 2024