Minnehaha Mandskor
Sioux Falls, SD

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Member Spotlight
Ray Schnabel

     Ray Schnabel joined the Minnehaha Mandskor as a baritone in the spring of 2013.  He and his wife Juanita grew up in Mitchell and Huron, SD. After Ray’s graduation from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology as a Mechanical Engineer and a 40-year career with Caterpillar, Inc., they have lived in a number of places including 28 years in the Peoria, IL area.  While living in Brussels, Belgium during one of his career stops, he became a charter member of a barbershop singing group called the “Capital Chordsmen”.  This experience included several years of singing for the U.S. Ambassador’s Fourth of July champagne luncheons for a wide array of ambassadors from other countries who lived in Brussels.  Ray began retirement from Caterpillar on February 1, 2005.  He subsequently assumed a pro bono Director/Registrar position for 9 years with Heidelberg Theological Seminary located in Sioux Falls, SD.  

     In 2007, the Schnabels relocated to Brandon, SD.  Juanita trailed along with Ray tending to their children and managing a home business as a seamstress designing and constructing wedding dresses, etc.  They have 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 2 granddaughters-in-law located in Minnesota, Iowa and Georgia.  Juanita is a member of the Mandskor Auxiliary.  Ray also sings with a men’s quartet at his church and enjoys travel, photography, golfing, fishing, hunting, reading and time with their family and friends.

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