Norman Schnake, 81, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, with family members by his side.

Born on July 4, 1943, Norman grew up on the family farm near Hoyleton, Illinois.  He played football during high school, where he met his future wife, Dee Vogler Schnake.  Norman proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve and later used the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education.  He earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Southern Illinois University and an M.S. in the same field from the University of Illinois.

Norman spent his professional career in the fertilizer manufacturing industry, holding management positions in marketing and distribution - both domestically and internationally - with companies such as Standard Oil, MFA, Agrico, AMC, and Terra.

Throughout their life together, Norman and Dee lived in Illinois, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Kentucky.  They eventually settled in Henderson, Kentucky, where they raised their two children and returned later in life to be closer to family and lifelong friends.  In the 1990's he earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying as a hobby.  After retiring, Norm loved spending his time with family, golfing, traveling, and doing volunteer work at Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, and his church.  He was a lifelong Methodist and long-time member of Henderson First United Methodist Church at the time of his death.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Helen Schnake.

He is survived by his wife, Dee Schnake; his children, Matthew Schnake (Amber Dawn) and Sherry Schnake (Paul Scott Drury); and four grandchildren, Fia Skillman, Izaak Skillman, Anna Drury (Nate Smith), and Allie Drury.  He is also survived by his siblings, Wayne Schnake (Barbara) and Patty Brink (Howard).

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Henderson, Kentucky.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, or the First United Methodist Church.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.