In Memory of William Robley Schnee
June 1, 1932 – July 2, 2023
William Robley “Rob” Schnee,91 of Temecula, California, passed away on July 2, 2023 in Temecula, California.
Rob was born in Townsend, Montana on June 1, 1932 to David R. and Mary Jane “Jackie” Seymour Schnee. Rob grew up on the family farm and attended school in Cut Bank, Montana.
Upon turning eighteen Rob enlisted in the United States Marines attending boot camp at Camp Pendleton, California. Immediately upon completing boot camp, Rob was deployed to South Korea with some of the first “boots on the ground” Marines to fight in the Korean Conflict.
Rob returned to Cut Bank after completing his tour of duty and honorable discharge. He worked on the family farm and drove trucks for Getter Trucking. In 1953, Rob met and married Fern Cochran English of Cut Bank. Together, they had four children: Roxanne, Robyn, Kelli and Bill.
In 1961, Rob and Fern moved the family to Southern California settling in Fullerton where he drove trucks servicing the oil fields and joined the iron workers’ union working on some of the first high rises in Los Angeles and rides in Disneyland.
In the mid 1980’s, Rob semi-retired selling their home in Fullerton, California and moving to Oceanside, California near their daughter, Roxanne. While living in Oceanside, Rob and Fern were able to spend much needed time in Montana with their relatives and explore the prairies and mountains. Although Rob made his home in California, his roots were in Montana and the prairie was in his blood. Rob’s love for Montana never wavered and was instilled in his children.
In 1990, Rob and Fern moved back to the Fullerton area and purchased a trucking company, Oilfield Trucking & Transportation that serviced the oilfields of Orange and Los Angeles counties. Rob continued running the company until his retirement in 2001 at which time they moved to Temecula, California.
Rob was a quiet man with a wealth of knowledge. He was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was always there for them whether it be for advice or a place to live. Their home was always open to the children and grandchildren. After Fern’s passing in 2018, Rob continued to live at his home in Temecula with his devoted son, Bill.
Rob is survived by his daughters Roxanne Howard (Paul) of Escondido, California, Robyn Peters of Batavia, Illinois, son William C. “Bill” Schnee of Temecula, California, grandchildren Brandon Peters (Kristin) of Valley Center, California, Blake Peters (Faye) of Maple Park, Illinois, Stephen Howard (Allie) of Lemon Cove, California, Christina Andres (David) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Great grandchildren Will Peters of Valley Center, California, and Cruz Montanez of San Antonio, Texas, Rushes Peters of Maple Park, Illinois, Emma and Ella Sproule of Las Vegas, Nevada and many nephews and nieces.
Rob is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Fern Schnee, daughter Kelli Schnee, Grand daughter Jessica Schnee Montanez, parents David R and Mary J “Jackie” Schnee, Sister “Peachie” Schnee and brothers David J. “Jerry” Schnee, James Adrian “Bud” Schnee and Clinton Seymour “Clint” Schnee.
Funeral Services will be held on July 25, 2023 at 9:45 AM at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California with full Military Honors. Internment immediately follows.