George Schnellbacher

George Otto Schnellbacher tragically passed away at Children's Mercy Downtown, Kansas City, Missouri on February 20, 2015. He was born on September 28, 2011 along with his twin sister, Elle Grace, at Saint Luke's South in Overland Park, Kansas. Otto was the first-born son to Roxxy and George Jason Schnellbacher.

He was baptized into the family of Christ at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas where his family were active members of the church including small group and Building Better Moms.

Otto was an enthusiastic student even in his preschool years. He attended Bambini Creativi Preschool in Kansas City, Missouri as well as Discovery Ark Preschool at the Church of the Resurrection both beginning in Fall 2014. He was cherished by his teachers and revered by his classmates. Always the one to initiate a prayer before a meal, he was a leader amongst his peers.

An incredibly affectionate and loving child, Otto was adored by everyone and he reciprocated with his radiant smile, big hugs and loving words. He was such a treasure and endlessly loved by all.

George Otto was named after his paternal great grandfather, George Schnellbacher (1916-1998), and great uncle, Otto Schnellbacher Sr. (1923-2008). Both were men of the community, dedicated to their family and to a life of service. They served as profound role models for Otto's father, Jason. George Otto continued their name in an ode to their legacy.

At home, Otto was inseparable from his best friend and twin sister, Elle Grace. Together, they loved playing make-believe, building forts, playing "tackle" with Daddy, and anything PawPatrol. He loved trucks, construction toys, and motoring about. He frequently drove his dune buggy and toy Corvette around the cul-de-sac squealing with laughter and joy.

Otto is survived by his mother, father, and two sisters, Elle and Alyse. Otto's mother, Roxxy Woods Schnellbacher, is a St. Louis native, an Avila graduate, and a descendant of the Wildhaber family of St. Louis, Missouri. Otto's father, George Jason Schnellbacher, is a Topeka native, Baker graduate, and employee of Sprint. Otto was adored by his maternal and paternal grandparents: MaryTherese and Ken Sanders of Berryton, Kansas, George Gary and Beverly Schnellbacher of Topeka, Kansas, Lila Mertz of Topeka, and Otis Woods Jr. of Cahokia, Illinois.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the Wesley Covenant Chapel at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection at 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, Kansas, 66224. The visitation begins at 10:00am, the funeral at 11:00am, with a reception to follow. Following the services, there will be a balloon release by friends and family.

The interment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery at 17th and Fairlawn Ave., in Topeka, Kansas at 2:30pm. He will be laid to rest next to his great grandparents, George and Janet Schnellbacher.

In lieu of flowers, the family has expressed a preference for memorial contributions to the Resurrection Stained Glass Window project at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Contributions can be made online via the Go Fund Me page for George Otto Schnellbacher http://www.gofundme.com/mzr2ig (Please copy and paste the URL into your browser) checks mailed to the George Otto Memorial c/o Lauren Bohning, 15712 W 138th Terrace Olathe, KS 66062.