Donald Schnake

Condolences to Mrs. Schnake and all Coach's family. I watched him coach at Vandalia High School and I was fortunate to have him as a teacher. Coach was greatly respected by athletes and non-athletes alike. He stood as a tremedous role model. One of my fondest memories of Coach was watching him rock back and forth on his heels during the National Anthem. That memory is forever etched in my mind and heart! God bless you Coach Schnake. Kay Sue Carter '65 Vandalia High School graduate

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the entire family. What a great asset Don Schnake was when he coached and taught in the Vandalia Community School District. We are sure he was just as valuable in other school districts where he served. He touched and changed the lives of many athletes/students and gave his time to improve the lives of many athletes/students. All of us will continue to have great memories of him as a coach and educator. Sherry and John Burnside

Mrs. Schnake and the rest of Coach's family, I want to send you my sincere condolences. Coach was a wonderful mentor for me, as well as the other sports participants at Vandalia High School. When I first moved there he was my baseball, football and basketball coach. He quickly taught us that hard work would help us overcome an shortfalls we had in talent. Believe me we did have shortfalls in that area. Noticed that my friend, Keith Wright, mentioned how difficult it was for Coach to...

8/8/10
You were a great coach. When I was playing football in 1980's and you were coach we certainly were winning football games.
Rick Turek
Elk Grove High Class of 1981

My condolences to Mrs. Schnake and Coach's family. Coach and I grew up in the same town, Centralia, Illinois, although at different time periods. I knew Coach's parent's who owned a grocery in the neighorhood where I lived in Centralia, and where Coach grew up in his childhood years. In Centralia he and I participated in the same grade school athletic programs. Then in 1961, my family moved backed to Vandalia, Illinois, my hometown. Who was the high school coach for Baseball, Basketball,...

Dear Leigh and the entire Schnake Family - I am so sorry for your loss - I just heard last night that he passed away. I had him in the late 80's for a gym teacher and he will always be 1 of my favorite teachers (and i didn't even like gym class). He was so kind - we nicknamed him Papa Smurf...though I dont remember why...but at the end of the school year we actually gave him a Papa Smurf and got one of his grins. He said so little...but meant so much. Im terribly sorry for your loss. You...

Mr. Schnake epitomized a football coach. He was not only a great example but an excellent role model as well. It was a pleasure to be coached by him and Mr. Flynn at Elk Grove. Semper Fi indeed.

My condolences and sympathy to the family of one of the best coaches i every had. He was not boistrous, loud or condecending. He didn't need that because he was the ultimate quiet man with so much knowlege of sports to share. His slow souther Illinois drawl add to the mystique of this man. Truly a man to be proud of being associated with.

Don was an outstanding member of our coaching fraternity and will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Bill Mack
Crystal Lake, IL