Anna Mae Schnucker, 94

Anna Mae Schnucker, 94, died peacefully in her sleep, November 17th, 2024. She was born April 22, 1930 in Parkersburg Iowa to her parents Cornelius William Engelkes & Clara (Smit) Engelkes. Anna Mae attended school in Parkersburg, where she graduated from high school. She went on to further her education at the University of Dubuque and obtained her master's degree in organ performance from Northeast Missouri State University. Anna Mae was a long-time beloved teacher, choir director and organist.  She started teaching music in Kirksville, Missouri in 1964 and was the senior high choral director for many years. She retired after 35 years of service in education. In addition to directing, she taught piano lessons to many generations of young people, was a frequent accompanist to undergraduate and graduate students from NMSU, and was an accomplished church organist.

Anna Mae was loving, compassionate and demanding. She loved music and taught others the beauty of song, whether through singing a solo, harmonizing in a group, playing an instrument, or accompanying others. Whatever the situation, the music required the performer’s best. She also loved to play four-hand piano music with her friends, reveling in the shared joy of playing together, laughing at the missed page turns, and smiling at a job well done.

As she was blessed, she gave to others with her time and resources, supporting the American Association of University Women for over 50 years, church families, neighbors, and students with financial support and words of encouragement. She gave because she had been given so much. 

Anne Mae was also an excellent cook, although when first married her culinary skills were rudimentary. Her husband Robert requested Danish pastries, and so “The Art of Fine Baking” by Paula Peck was purchased and pastries were made. From there came a lifetime of ever-expanding tastes, techniques and cuisines. Her love for cooking and baking led to a nicely appointed kitchen, joy around the table with friends and strangers, and her ever-watchful eye. To this day, family gatherings always take place in the bustle of the kitchen.    

Anna Mae was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and dedicated her time to better the lives of many.  Although she lived a long and beautiful life, she will be dearly missed by those she loved, led, and taught. Her legacy and hard work leaves a lasting memory, and her 94 years were well spent. 

She is survived by her children: one daughter Sarai Ann Rice; two sons, Sar Victor Schnucker and Christjahn Dietrich (Melissa) Schnucker; Seven grandchildren, Christjahn Lamar (Dana) Beck, Daniel Robert Beck, Hannah Josephine (Mat) Schnucker, Calvin John (Lanie) Schnucker, Claire Elizabeth (Heath) Schnucker, Sara Skye Gibbs-Schnucker, and Ian (Mignon) Gibbs-Hall; and three great-grandchildren Aida Rae Coons Schnucker, Leo Robert Coons Schnucker and Shiloh Emmett Senuta. 

A Memorial Service will be.1:30 p.m., on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Parkersburg United Methodist Church in Parkersburg.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Parkersburg Funeral Home.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com