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Donald Schnake Obituary
He was born May 25, 1928, in Centralia, to Frank and Viola Schnake.
He graduated from Centralia High School and Bradley University, and he received a master's degree from Northern Illinois University. He was a proud U.S. Marine who served his country in Guam at the end of World War II.
He taught and coached at Charleston High School, Aledo High (head basketball and assistant football), Vandalia High (head football, basketball, baseball, track coach and athletic director) and Elk Grove High School, (head football).
Although remembered best at a football coach, he was a standout basketball player on Centralia's 1946 state runner-up team and was a member of Bradley's famed 1949-50 team that finished second in both the NIT and NCAA tournament.
His sports passion was baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals, the team he grew up loving and tried out for. His recent joy was to sit five rows behind the Cardinal's dugout for a game during spring training this year. His coaching prowess led to his induction into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and was the Centralia Sports Hall of Fame 2007 VIP award winner.
He wrote three books, "Trout: The Old Man and The Orphans," about his high school coach Arthur Trout; "Coaching 101: Guiding the High School Athlete and Building Team Success"; and "Simple Six: Building and Aggressive, Efficient and Explosive High School Offense." Trout received recognition for excellence by the Illinois State Historical Society. His last project, narrative writing about his family and early life in rural southern Illinois, is to be published in the future.
He was a voracious reader and enjoyed writing, but he especially loved his grandchildren.
He was the loving husband for 52 years of Marilyn (Lockney); gentle and loving father of Lyn (Jim) Kellermeyer, Lewis (Jean), Logan (Shirley) and Leigh Ann Schnake; and dear grandfather of Dan, Sarah and Jason Kellermeyer, Charles and Skyler Schnake, Maria Jose Chavarria (Schnake) and Mattie and George Giese.
The memorial visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois at www.wishes.org.
For information, call the funeral home at 847-640-0566.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Schnake
Kay Carter
August 19, 2010
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
John and Sherry Burnside
August 17, 2010
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
Dwight Nestrick
August 8, 2010
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 smile. But you know when he did he lit up the room and everyone enjoyed it.
In 1963 and again in 64, Coach took some good ole boys with average football talent, worked 'em real hard, and, most importantly, convinced them that they had what it took to be winners, champions at that. We went undefeated in 63 and lost but one game in 64...on determination and true grit.
Coach will be missed by all who have ever known him. But especially he will be missed by the hundreds of young men he coached in football, basketball and baseball.
He has gone to a better place. He is with his Maker and enjoying every minute. To lose Coach is "sad but not bad".
Dwight Nestrick
Vandalia High School, Vandalia, Il
Member of the baseball, basketball and football teams from 1961 through 1965.
I am proud to know Coach and to call him my friend.
August 8, 2010
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
Keith Wright
August 8, 2010
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, Football, in addition to being Athletic Director, Coach Don Schnake. At times it was difficult to get Coach to smile, but when he finished taping each players ankles above the shaved line during a 4 year period for every football game, he would look you in the eyes before each game and produce the biggest smile, knowing the pain you would go through after the game pulling the tape and hair off your legs. Coach taught me to be a team player, caring, meaningful, strong, and to stand up for what was right in various situations of our athletic relationship. In my life after high school, I used these attributes in my everyday life, as Coach did and taught. Coach had a big impact on my life in so many ways. He will live forever in my fondest memories. He will be missed by so many. Coach, say hello to your folks and mine in heaven. I miss all of you.
Keith Wright
Team member of the 1963 and 1964 Vandalia Community High School Football teams.
July 28, 2010
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 are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann Kilduff
Robert Flagg
July 14, 2010
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.
Jim Hofmann
July 8, 2010
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.
July 7, 2010
Don was an outstanding member of our coaching fraternity and will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Bill Mack
Crystal Lake, IL
Gene Pinder
June 29, 2010
I'd like to extend my sincest and deepest condolences to the Schnake family for your loss. Coach Schnake had a tremendous influence on me (still today) and for that I am grateful. I enjoyed playing football for him. Not only did he bring out the best in me, but he did it in his own unique way. He could be tough as nails, but he was also very supportive and caring. I'll also never forget that sly grin and twinkle in his eye, even when he told you 250-pound fullbacks were actually easier to tackle than faster, smaller backs. Right, coach. He was a good man, an excellent coach and I for one will always be a huge fan. May he rest in peace.
June 28, 2010
My deepest sympathies to Coach Schnake's family. I was privalged to be on Coach's football team for his first three years at Elk Grove HS. The leasons learned form those three years have always stayed with me for which I am grateful.
Mike Kunze
Class of 69'
Marcia Krysh
June 25, 2010
Dear Marilyn and family,
My sympathy to all of you. I loved working with Don at EGHS. He was a very positive influence on everything I did as a teacher and coach. He will be missed dearly. Take care.
June 24, 2010
Our deepest sympanthies to the entire Schnake Family. I had Mr. Schnake as a gym teacher in High school in the late 80's and I had Mrs Schnake as a teacher in greade school at Byrd. I will miss him as a great leader!
Mike Warren
June 24, 2010
Dear Schnake Family,
I attended EGHS in the early 70's and remember Mr. Schnake as a great guy. He walked past our house every day...long strides too. Mr. Schnake had a positive influence on a whole lot of people. I am very sorry.
Dina Parker
June 24, 2010
My condolences to the Schnake family. My brothers, Barry and Brian, and I will never forget him. May your memories comfort you during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dina Parker (Pangrle) EGHS 83
Pat O'Brien
June 24, 2010
Coach,
Thank you for your guidance and wisdom.
My prayers are with you and your family. Semper Fi !
Class of 77 EGHS
June 23, 2010
Dear Marilyn,
Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. Your husband was a very special educator. I'm sure that many students and families are thinking of you both.
Kay and Joe Belt, Elk Grove Village, IL
Karen Kirby Barreto
June 23, 2010
Leigh you and your family are in our daily thoughts and prayers. Your father was an incredible man, wishing you peace Mr. Schnake. Much Love
Tom Peters Jr
June 22, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 22, 2010
Dear Schnake Family,
My prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Renee Farrar Guillory
June 22, 2010
Our condolences to Marilyn and Don's family. Don was a good friend, a valuable provider of coaching tips and insights, always ready with a sports story about Vandalia or Bradley to brighten a day.
It was a good day when our paths crossed at EGHS.
Sincerely,
Bob and Ruth Rees
Mark Lesniak
June 22, 2010
Condolences to Leigh and the entire Schnake Family for your loss. Mr Schanke made a difference in many peoples lives over the years and he will always be remembered for that!
Bob * Hurrie
June 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Terese Martin-Lawson
June 22, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jim Kellermeyer
June 22, 2010
Dear Don,
We miss you already but have so many fond memories that you will never be forgotten.
• Cubs/Cardinals games – A Cardinal victory always seemed to put a little extra spring in your step and a sparkle in your eye.
• Listening to Cubs games on the radio – “Yep”
• Football pool – Redbird Don’s private competition with GrandpaK
• Sharing good books – Every book you ever recommended never disappointed
• Baby sitting our kids – Coming home to find the crossword puzzle always done
• U.S. Senior Open, Medinah, 1988 – Standing 3 feet from Arnold Palmer and watching him crush a 3 wood from the rough to the green.
• Listening to your stories – Garrison Keillor has nothing on you.
• Grilling and cooking – Your quest to duplicate dishes you’ve enjoyed while traveling
• Talking sports – Your filling me in on the latest Sports Illustrated articles
• Your love for your grandchildren – No words necessary
There are so many more.
Thanks for being such a great father-in-law. You were truly like a second father to me. Say “hi” to my dad for me – I am sure he is waiting for your company and pool competition. Don’t forget to get your picks in.
Love, Jim
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