Dudley Dean Schnakenberg, 91, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024. Born on August 16, 1933, in Concordia, Missouri. Known as Dean to family and friends, he lived a full and impactful life, devoted to both his family and his career in education.
Dean was married to Carol Schnakenberg, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his children: Jody (the late Paul) Lacy of Columbia, Missouri; Jeff Schnakenberg (Catherine) of Sweet Springs, Missouri; Susan (the late Randall Henning) Henning-Dambach and husband Grant Dambach of Blue Springs, Missouri; and Eric Schnakenberg of Oak Grove, Missouri. Dean was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and was preceded in death by one great-grandchild.
Dean is also survived by his sister Georgia (Bob) Redman of Grain Valley, Missouri, and was preceded in death by his brother James Wisecup.
After graduating from Concordia High School, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Medical Corpsman from 1951 to 1955. After completing his service, he went on to earn his college degree from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. It was in college where he met Carol, and they were married on September 1, 1956.
Dean dedicated 38 years to the field of education, where he served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in schools throughout Missouri and Wisconsin. His love for learning extended to coaching as well; he was a basketball and golf coach, and his passion for sports continued throughout his life. Dean also made lasting contributions to education, spearheading the construction of a new high school in Kingsville, MO, and helping establish a new library in Ithaca, WI.
Dean was an All-Conference basketball player in college, and he carried that competitive spirit throughout his life, both in sports and his career.
Dean was deeply committed to the success and well-being of young minds. His dedication to education and his ability to inspire others to strive for greatness left a legacy in the lives of all who knew him.
In his personal life, Dean was an avid golfer who loved spending time with his family, watching sports, and sharing his wisdom with those around him. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his humor, and most of all, his lifelong commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Dean’s legacy of love, service, and education will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
Services will be held at Timothy Lutheran Church in Blue Springs on January 25th at 11am in Blue Springs, Missouri with a luncheon following. Visitation will begin at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Timothy Lutheran School, Blue Springs, Missouri.
Family Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas
It was our great pleasure and honor to have been acquainted with “Dudley Dean” since becoming friends with Susan & Randy almost 40 years ago. He always greeted us with a warm smile and a bit of humor and treated us like family. Dean was a devoted Christian so we are happy to rejoice with your family in the Blessed assurance of Heaven!
Student ,Richland Center ,Wisconsin
I was a high school student at Ithaca when I met Mr. Schnackenberg. I remember his kindness and his humor. I spent a lot of time in his office because I couldn’t seem to keep my mouth shut. So we talked a lot. I spent 34 years in education largely because of him. He arranged a Senior class trip to St. Louis which was a big deal to us ignorant farm and rural kids from Ithaca. I think of his each time the Brewers play the Cardinals. You were lucky to have such a remarkable man in your life for so long. My condolences to all of you.
