Pam Schneck

Pamela “Pam” Schneck, 77, of Clinton, MN, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital in Ortonville.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church and will continue an hour before the service on Saturday at the church. The family invites you to forgo funeral black in favor of color to honor their favorite artist.

Pam wrote her own obituary in 2013, before her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2016. This is how she wanted to be remembered:

This is my second attempt to write an obituary…my first one wasn’t funny enough. And I have always loved humor as it makes life worth living. Also, I don’t completely trust the people in my family to do this job. I like some control once in a while, even if I have to grab it.

I was born Pamela Jane Parker on January 26, 1948. My parents were Harlan (JR) Junior Parker and LaVerne (Babe) Idelle Gunderson Parker. They later decided I needed a sister and I was gifted with Penelope.

My growing up years were filled with laughter, discipline, and love. I had a great childhood in Aberdeen, SD. It was the 1950’s and 60’s. We played outside, biked all over, did not have TV early on, and we lived a life without fear.

I loved school and graduated in 1966 from Aberdeen Central High School before attending Northern State College to become an art teacher.

In the fall of 1971, I began teaching art in the Ortonville schools. I taught upper elementary as well as some junior and senior high classes. Coming to Ortonville was like “coming home,” as my grandfather, Harlan N. Parker, resided there. And to add a great deal of new blood and excitement to his life, I moved in with him! The first day I was in his home, he danced an Irish jig with me!

In 1973, I married Rick Schneck. And Rick was never again the same! We moved to a hobby farm outside Clinton, MN, in 1974. We both enjoyed our little “’funny farm” with all its different animals, which included horses, cats, dogs, chickens, goats, rabbits, turkeys, peacocks, alpacas, pot-bellied pigs, a miniature horse and donkey, and more!

But the most interesting animals we ever had were our own two daughters! We were blessed by Karissa and Bethany in the early 1980’s. They were a joy and also provided a lot of humor along the way…though they might disagree! (But smart kids never disagree publicly with their Mama!)

I retired after teaching art for ten years. I was home with my little ones and later returned to the workforce when Rausch Brothers Monument Company hired me as their artist. I spent 25 years creating stone designs as well as going to area farm and home shows to help display our products. I am proudest of the many beautiful war monuments we created to honor our veterans.

Life to me has always been a treasure. I have known so many great people. I thank all of you who have touched my life! Many of my students became my friends. I have a crazy but very loving family, and, you know, I love crazy if it means laughter and joy.

I have enjoyed my church, Trinity Lutheran in Clinton. I have liked living on our hill near our little town. I can hardly think of anything I don’t like!

So, thank you! I’ll be seeing you again, one way or another! Life is a circle….and you may just see me circling by….which means I am looking for directions!

Left to smile (I hope) after I’m gone are my loving husband of 52 years, Rick Schneck, daughter, Karissa Dennis (Ross Knudsen) of Lakeville, MN; daughter, Bethany (Brent) Stolle of Kirkland, WA; four grandchildren: Leo Dennis, Parker Dennis, Weston Stolle, Isaac Stolle; great-granddaughter, Gabriella; sister, Penny (Scott) Tower of Richfield, MN; honorary son, Tyson Karsky of Clinton, MN; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, and friends.

I was preceded in death by my father and mother: Harlan (JR) and LaVerne (Babe) Parker; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Weston and Ruth Schneck; brother-in-law, David Schneck; cousin, Cheryl Yerges; and beloved aunts and uncles.

I told my girls that after I was gone, I would paint the sky for them. If you are ever sad or feeling alone, just look up! I will be thinking of you, too.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ortonville Area Health Services Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, MN, or the Alzheimer’s Association.