William (Bill) Paul Schnetzler

William (Bill) Paul Schnetzler June 3, 1925-January 21, 2025.

Bill was born on June 3, 1925, in Brooklyn NY, to the late Rhinehart and Francis O’Brien Schnetzler.

Survived by his loving family: Daughter, Karen; Son Steve & wife Linda, Son William & wife Daniela.  Bill had Five Grandchildren: Eric & wife Laura, Matthew & wife Amy, Steve, Lisa, Will & wife Jennifer. 10 Great grandchildren: Michaela, Zachary, Michael, Bryon, Dylan, Gavyn, Brielle, Evelyn, Kylie and Madison. Great-great grandchild: Jaxon.

Preceded family: his loving wife of 61 years Shirley Wimer Schnetzler, his loving Son-in-law Robert Franklin.

As a boy Bill moved to White Plains, NY to live with his Grandmother Margaret O’Brien. He was an Eagle Scout and attended Cortland Teachers College.

He served in WWII in the Italian Theater. He was assigned to the 10th Mtn. Division. 85th Regiment 2nd Battalion Company G. He trained in Camp Hale Colorado near Leadville Co. He landed in Naples, Italy and was driven by truck to the fighting in Northern Italy in the Apennine Mts. He was wounded in action on April 15th 1945 by a German mortar taking shrapnel in his chest and back, near Mazola, Italy on designated hill 762 and that is also where he received his purple heart. He cleared out a German machine gun nest and was awarded a Bronze Star for these meritorious actions.

After he came back from WWII and married Shirley Wimer, in August 20, 1949.  He got a master’s degree in teaching from Columbia University and graduated in 1951. He later moved his wife and family to Corning NY where he became a Physical Education teacher at Hugh Gregg elementary school and a Basketball coach for East Corning High.

Bill was active in the National Guard and Army reserves, where he later became commander of his unit.  He was awarded the New York State Conspicuous service award for his contributions to the town of Corning NY in flood of 1972. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He retired to Franklin NC and lived there for 10 years. He enjoyed living near Shirley’s brothers and sisters. Loved the mountains and loved life.  After 10 years he decided to move to Pittsboro NC to be closer to his daughter Karen. He enjoyed traveling to see his sons and other family members.

He passed peacefully on January 21, 2025, just 5 months short of his 100th birthday. He will forever be loved and greatly missed.

Gravesite Funeral is being planned by Arlington National Cemetery future date to follow. Estimated spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Disabled American Veterans https://support.dav.org/campaign/LTC-William-Schnetzler-memorial

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Schnetzler family.