Gregory was born in Estherville, Iowa to Harry and Shirley Schnell on December 24, 1954. In 1963, the family moved to the farm in Clayton, WI. Greg attended school in Clayton and graduated in 1973.

Greg and Debbie (Graber) were married in their early years. To this union, three children were born: Dawn, Brigett and Dustin. The family lived in the Clear Lake area, later moving to Oshkosh where Greg worked within his counseling degree. Following the end of this marriage, Greg returned to the Clayton area. In 1991, Greg and Karen (Paulson) Helgeson were joined in marriage. With this marriage, Greg gained three more children: Martin, Joseph, and Deanna Helgeson. He was a devoted husband, loving father, playful brother and kind friend who loved unconditionally and sought to guide others in life skills.

Greg worked at many occupations throughout his life time, from laborer to AODA counselor, maintenance to farming, but mostly enjoyed his own shop. There he used his creativity and talents as a ‘master tinker’ - building, designing, creating, and fixing everything from gates and trailers to machines and motors. Greg enjoyed putting his own touch on his boats, vehicles and buildings. He was also gifted in working with electronics and wiring. Greg was always ready to extend a helping hand to friends and acquaintances. He lived his 38 years in Recovery with a passion.

Greg had a spirit of adventure, especially in the outdoors. At home and at ‘the cabin’ in Herbster, every season held adventure. He loved fishing in the waters of the ‘big lakes,’ down the riverbanks, and on to the earliest ice of winter. He pursued hunting animals in all seasons. Greg loved to play on the water, pulling countless kids on skis or tubes with his boat or snowmobile. His love of motorcycles brought happiness, not only in riding, but modifying their design. Traveling brought adventures in Africa, Hawaii, Cancun and Washington. Always delighted by surprising others and telling his stories, he created camaraderie and fun wherever he went.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Harry Jr and nephew, Ryan.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley Schnell, and his wife, Karen.

Children (6) - Dawn (Jared) Yeske, Brigett (Jake) Balog, Dustin Schnell, Marty(Adrienne) Helgeson, Joe (Kristin) Helgeson, Deanna (Alpha) Ndebele.

Grandchildren (15) - Jordan (Jessica) Yeske, Spencer Yeske, Chelsey Yeske, Keerstin Balog, Hunter Balog, Natalie Schnell, Seth Schnell, Emma Helgeson, Nolan Helgeson, Brady Helgeson, Abraham Helgeson, Elijah Helgeson, Vera Helgeson, Julian Ndebele and Jonah Ndebele.

Great Grandsons (7) - Carsyn Yeske, Carter Yeske, Jameson Yeske, Jaxtyn Yeske, Wyatt Groehler, Owen Groehler, and Evan Groehler.

Siblings - Ed (Debbie) Schnell, Rose (Dave) Gross, Chris Cavalier, Jeff (Ann) Schnell, Jerry (Kari) Schnell, Tom (Cheryl) Schnell, and Lisa (Paul) Houx. In laws: Kermit (Sharon) Paulson, Ron (Colleen) Paulson, Dick (Donna) Paulson, and Dale (Cathy) Paulson.

More nieces, nephews, and friends than can be counted.

Greg passed into heaven on September 23, 2023 in Regions Hospital from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. We will miss him, always.

The visitation will be on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 4 to 7 pm at the United Covenant Church in Clear Lake, WI (348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake, WI 54005). A Celebration of Life will also be at the United Covenant Church on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Last Update: Sep 26, 2023 11:18 am CDT