Robert Schmoekel

Robert Eugene Schmoekel, 77, of Overland Park, passed away on March 26, 2020. He was born on February 20, 1943 to Fred and Valeria (Pflughoeft) Schmoekel in Ellsworth, KS.

He had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure 5 years ago. He had continued being fit and enjoying the outdoors until the past 6 months.

Robert worked as a Teacher and Coach for 52 years. He began his career the Spring of 1966 as a student teacher and assisted with track at JCHS under Al Simpler. He was hired to be a geography teacher and Head Track Coach at Junction City Junior High School. He then left for 1 year to teach and coach at Wyandotte High School. In 1970, he moved to Randolph and coached high school football, basketball, and track. In 1972 he moved back to Junction City to teach and be the Head Cross Country Coach for JCHS, along with being an assistant for track, basketball, and football. In 1982 he took over the head Track position as well. In 2007 he retired from his teaching and head coaching positions, but he continued to coach as an assistant in Track and XC until 2017. He just loved coaching and kids loved him. Robert had numerous state championships throughout his coaching career. More important than the championships, though, are the strong and lasting relationships that he built with his many assistant coaches, athletes (JV or Varsity), and students throughout his career. He was, as so many people have simply said, "A Great Coach….but Better Man". He has and will continue to impact so many people. His hard work ethic and care for others will live on forever. Coach was the kindest, humblest, most dedicated and selfless person.

On June 7, 1970, he married Suzan Kathleen Schmoekel (Hicks). They lived most of their married life in Junction City, KS. Their 50th Wedding Anniversary was to be celebrated this coming Summer. Currently they were living in Overland Park, KS. Moving to this area allowed them to be closer to their youngest grandchildren and be a part of their daily lives.

Robert was a very active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Junction City throughout his time living there. After moving to Overland Park, he became a member of the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Olathe. He enjoyed being with his grandkids, playing the piano, being outdoors, running, reading scriptures, and playing with his cats, Jack and Joy.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Suzan; daughter, Gretchen (Matt) Westerhaus; son, Matt (Kelly) Schmoekel; grandchildren, Kate and Kody Westerhaus, Nate, Drew, and Elin Schmoekel; and sister, Janie Schmoekel (Sundgren).

He was preceded in death by his Father, Fred Schmoekel, and Mother, Valeria (Pflughoeft) Schmoekel.


Services will be at a later date once we're allowed to all gather together again. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution is suggested to one of the following:

• A fund has been established for the Coach Schmoekel Memorial Scholarship.
Contributions may be sent to:
Geary Community Schools Foundation
900 N. Eisenhower
Junction City, KS 66441
Please make checks payable to the Geary Community Schools Foundation and in the memo line CSMS.

• Immanuel Lutheran Church in Junction City, KS
Contributions may be sent to:
Immanuel Lutheran Church
630 S. Eisenhower Dr.
Junction City, KS 66441





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