Eugene (Gene) T. Schnebelen (90) of DeLand, FL went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January
18, shortly after returning home from a brief hospital stay.
Gene was born in Lodi, NJ on November 26, 1933, the second son born to Gustave & Marie (nee Kaynak)
Schnebelen. Gene's grandparents had come to the U.S. from Alsace-Lorraine and landed on Ellis Island.
Gene met his lifelong best friends John Hascup & Marie Bohm in grammar and high school, respectively.
In high school, Gene met James (Jim) Rentz, and after high school Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where
he served four years during the Korean Conflict. John Hascup joined the Air Force and Jim Rentz joined
the Air Force. The three stayed close; after serving, John married Marie. Gene married Jim's sister Jean
Rentz on February 4, 1956. Gene & Jean and John & Marie remained very close friends, sharing lots of
vacations with their respective families in St. Augustine, FL. The memories of those times shared remain
near and dear to both John & Marie's and Gene & Jean's children.
Gene served for many years as a volunteer fireman with the Community Fire Company of Oak
Ridge/Newfoundland. He served in various offices, including Chief. Gene participated in grammar school
visitations with the firetruck, where he shared his passion and knowledge of the world of firefighting
with many wide-eyed children who naturally were more interested in the lights and the horn. He also
dressed as Santa Clause for the annual firetruck run through local neighborhoods, listening to the
children's Christmas wishes and handing out candy canes. Jean served alongside him as a member of the
Ladies Auxiliary. Gene & Jean joined the Bee Hives Camping Club in Sussex, NJ and enjoyed many
wonderful trips with their camping group. Gene worked for Hoffmann La-Roche in NJ for 35 years before
retiring to DeLand, FL. Gene & Jean continued to travel and explore until they could no longer load up
their trailer; then they often took long rides after church. Gene was actively involved with the USS Ross
Destroyer Survivor Reunion Group and attended many annual reunions and served as Treasurer before
the group dissolved in 2022. Gene and Jean attended the Christian Church at DeLeon Springs and
enjoyed group Bible study and many social events at the church.
Gene was predeceased by his parents and his only brother Gustave (Jerry) Schnebelen, as well as his
best friend John and his favorite brother-in-law, Jim. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean; his 4
children – Nancy (Roger) Berrong of Johns Island, SC; Donna Jackson; Linda (Frank) Whitener of DeLand,
FL; and Jeffrey (Davida) Schnebelen of Leland, NC; and his 4 grandchildren – Sarah Hewitt (Linda); and
Jeffrey, Matthew and Kailee Schnebelen (Jeffrey & Davida).
Gene was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need; a stranger was simply a friend he hadn't met
yet. He will be sorely missed; his family is comforted in the knowledge that he has been reunited with
his loved ones and friends in Heaven.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23 at the Christian Church at DeLeon
Springs, 4481 Mills Rd., DeLand, FL 32724.