Thomas Fidelis Schnellenberger, Sr., 89, Huntingburg
Thomas Fidelis Schnellenberger, Sr., 89, passed away at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 25, 2020, at Waters of Princeton.
He was born April 24, 1931 to Oscar and Alice (Knust) Schnellenberger in Huntingburg.
Tom graduated from Huntingburg High School in 1949. After graduation, he worked at the family gas station, Crider Filling Station, until joining the Navy in February of 1952. He married Virginia Berg on October 25, 1952, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper. After completing basic training in San Diego, Calif., he then trained in Memphis, Tenn., prior to being stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. He received his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1956 then returned to Huntingburg where he worked at Roy Cox Oil Company until opening his own business, Tom’s Tire & Supply, Inc. with his wife in 1966. He retired from their business in 1993.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg where he taught religious education to juniors from 1966 to 1993. He was a two-term Parish Council Member, server, eucharistic minister, and lector. He started and coordinated St. Mary’s Church parishioner van transportation. He was a founding member and treasurer of RIAL (Religion In American Life).
Tom was a seven-time president of the Huntingburg Merchant’s Association. A member and five times past president of the YMI (Young Men’s Institute). He was a member and two-term president of the Huntingburg Optimist Club. Tom received the Huntingburg Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1966 and again in 1999. He was the founding member and former treasurer of the Huntingburg Herbstfest Committee. He served as the president of the Huntingburg Chamber of Commerce. He was the treasurer of the Huntingburg Democrats. He was a member of the Serra Club and served as president three times and once as district governor. He served on the former St. Joseph Hospital board of directors. Tom also served on the Huntingburg City Council representing Ward 2 for two terms, 1964-1972. He was a candidate for Huntingburg Mayor in 1991. He was appointed annually by the Dubois County Commissioners to the Huntingburg Economic Development Council from 1999 until 2010. He was also a member of the Jasper American Legion Post 147.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Vivian Fischer, Dorothy Schmutzler and Judy Schnellenberger.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 68 years, Virginia (Berg) Schnellenberger of Huntingburg; son, Thomas Fidelis Schnellenberger, Jr. and wife Jackie Simmons of Carmel; three daughters, Susan (Charles) Martin, M.D. of Rockport; Patty (Dennis) Boeglin of Jasper; and Mary (Richard) Roby of Huntingburg; two brothers-in-law, Joe Fischer of Schnellville and Bob Schmutzler of Henderson, Ky,; nine grandchildren; one step-grandchild; eight great-grandchildren and three step-great- grandchildren with two additional great-grandchildren expected in 2021.
Private services for Tom Schnellenberger, Sr. will be officiated by Fr. Biju Thomas. The Jasper American Legion Post #147 will conduct military graveside rites. Please note, a celebration of life will be held once public safety for large gatherings is assured.
Nass and Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Meinrad Archabby, St. Mary’s Church of Huntingburg, or the YMI Club.
Condolences may be shared online at www.nassandson.com.
