Clayton Keith Schnarr

Remembering Clayton Schnarr, devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather Clayton Keith Schnarr was called to heaven by our Lord and Savior on Tuesday evening, August 8, at the age of 86. He had battled Alzheimer’s for over a decade. Clayton is survived by his loving wife, Jan, of 61 years, children Terry (Brad) Prather, Kathy (Randy) Hayden, and Steve (Melanie Cheney) Schnarr, as well as his grandchildren Mitch, Ben, Bailey, Megan, and Drew. Clayton was born and raised in Alexandria, South Dakota. He lived with his parents, Clarence and Ina Schnarr, and his 3 sisters Clareen, Beverly, and Sandi. His father ran a local creamery, where Clayton worked. Clayton loved telling stories of his childhood in small-town South Dakota. He remained in South Dakota through college, graduating from South Dakota State University. After graduation, he served as an officer in the Army Reserve while starting his professional career working for Century / Gould / Magnetek and Concordia Publishing, where he could share his faith through his work. Cleveland, OH, became his first adult “home”. That’s where he met, fell in love with and married Jan. Their journey together took them to Richfield, MN, where they started their family. Fourteen years later, Clayton’s job transferred them to St. Louis, MO, where their children continued to grow up. They had so many celebrations while they lived in the “Show Me State” including graduations, marriages, and spending time with their grandkids. Once fully retired, Clayton and Jan moved to Sarasota, FL, where they enjoyed traveling, time with family and friends, and spending time at church. Throughout his life Clayton remained loyal to the people and communities he loved. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church, a diehard St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and one of the most enthusiastic alumni to his alma mater. “Go Jack Rabbits!” He passed along his Christian faith, his passion for spending time outdoors, camping and skiing, as well as his love for baseball to his children and grandchildren. If you ask his grandchildren, friends, and caregivers, Clayton was also famous for his “witticisms” and clever word play. We welcome you to join us for the celebration of Clayton’s life. The Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 7 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Sarasota, FL. A luncheon will be served in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to Concordia Lutheran Church at https://concordiasarasota.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org. Link to Live Stream: https://vimeo.com/event/3765584

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Clayton Keith Schnarr

August 8, 2023