Joseph Schnellmann

In Loving Memory of Joe Schnellmann

July 6, 1973 – June 21, 2026

Joseph C. Schnellmann, 52, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on June 21, 2026. Born on July 6, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri, Joe was a gifted artist and advertising professional whose work received wide recognition. He earned ADDY honors through the American Advertising Awards for 10 consecutive years (2005-2015).

His notable work included contributions to National Geographic’s “Interpol,” an MLK poster featured in The Washington Post, a Times Square display for Smithfield Foods, the “Virginia is for Lovers” advertising campaign, and numerous projects for Pal’s Sudden Service.

Joe had a gift for bringing people together and filling a room with laughter and music. Most of all, he treasured time with family and friends. Joe’s final thoughts were of his children: “I can’t put into words how much I love Juno and Kyla.”

Joe participated in many sports, but his involvement in volleyball remained a lifelong passion that began during his days at Old Dominion University. He also enjoyed hiking, practicing yoga, playing the guitar, and singing.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Kyla Schnellmann, and her mother, Kate Wennberg, of Gloucester, Virginia; his son, Juno Schnellmann, and stepsons, Edan and Innis Love, all of Asheville, North Carolina; his mother, Jeanette Schnellmann, and Ray Barnes of Matthews, Georgia; his sister, Joni Goodrich of Thomson, Georgia; his stepmother Teresa Schnellmann of St. Charles, Missouri; his uncle, Lewis Schnellmann, of Tucson, Arizona; and his dearly loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, John C. Schnellmann of St. Charles, Missouri; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Pat Schnellmann of St. Louis, Missouri; and his maternal grandparents, William John Kepler and Dawnie Colleen Jorgensen, of Avoca, Nebraska.

Joe’s warmth, creativity, loyalty, and unmistakable zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A special thank you to Joe’s dear friend, Tarah Singh, for her love and support to the family and assistance in planning his Celebration of Life.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to another dear friend of Joe’s, Aimee Barrineau Adams, for organizing a Norfolk Celebration for his friends in Virginia.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at Highland Brewery in Asheville, North Carolina on Thursday, 7/9 from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Schnellmann Trust which will be established for his children, Kyla and Juno Schnellmann. Donations can be made at Schnellmann Trust supporting Joe's Children, Kyla and Juno while the trust is being created.

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