Duane Dale Schnepf

Duane Dale Schnepf, 82, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away surrounded by his family in his home on October 30, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Duane was born on June 13, 1944, in Mesa, AZ to Ray and Thora Schnepf. He grew up on his parents’ farm in Queen Creek and graduated from Chandler High School in 1962. He worked alongside his father for many years and later had his own cotton farm. On the farm, he learned to work hard and to do his best at anything he did. He often talked about what hard working people his parents and grandparents were and the legacy they left. He did a great job at carrying on that legacy.

Duane married Janet Lambson in 1967, and they are the parents of four children. He cared deeply for his family and was often found serving them and others with acts of love and kindness.

Duane served in many church callings throughout his life, including as an instructor, presidency member, youth leader, bishopric counselor, and as the first bishop of the Queen Creek 2nd Ward when the original ward in Queen Creek was divided. He also served from 1963-1965 as a full-time missionary in the East Central States Mission.

Duane loved to travel and told stories about trips to San Diego, the cabin in Greer, and to various Flying Farmer events with his parents. He later enjoyed trips to some of those same locations with his wife and children, and to other locations around the country and world.

Duane and Janet were both great at documenting the lives of their immediate family through pictures and videos. He was often found videoing and interviewing everyone at holiday gatherings, family trips, wedding receptions and other events to help others preserve those special memories.

Duane was preceded in death by his brother Lonnie, parents Ray and Thora, and his beloved wife Janet. He is survived by his brother Mark, his children Suzanne (Keith), David (Shawna), Michael (Teralyn), and Jennifer (Bradley), 19 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed!

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1150 N. Lindsay Road in Gilbert, with visitation beginning at 10am. He will be laid to rest at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Mesa, Arizona.