John Schnabel, born on November 2, 1920 in the United States, had a unique upbringing. His father was a Kansas wheat farmer who had a run-in with the law for brewing illegal alcohol. Despite his father's troubles, John grew up learning the value of hard work and determination.
When the United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, John felt a sense of duty to serve his country. He joined the United States Air Corps in 1941 and served until 1946. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of discipline and courage that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
After his time in the military, John Schnabel returned to civilian life and eventually found his true passion: gold mining. In 1986, at the age of 68, he purchased the Big Nugget Mine in Porcupine Creek, Alaska. This decision came after John underwent triple bypass surgery, which motivated him to stay active and pursue his dreams.
John became a recurring star on the Discovery Channel series Gold Rush, where viewers followed his journey as he navigated the challenges of running a successful mining operation. He became known for his wisdom, work ethic, and determination to strike gold.
Aside from his mining ventures, John Schnabel had a rich personal life. He married Erma Dire and together they had five children. Their family was a close-knit unit, supporting each other through the ups and downs of life.
In addition to his role as a miner and family man, John was also a skilled bridge player. He competed in national tournaments and enjoyed the strategic challenges that the game presented.
As John Schnabel grew older, he began to pass on his mining operations to the next generation. His grandsons, Payson and Parker Schnabel, took over the reins of the Big Nugget Mine, continuing the family legacy of gold mining.
John Schnabel's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a pioneer in the world of gold mining, leaving behind a story of resilience, hard work, and a passion for the pursuit of treasure.