Robert Jay Schamel, 89, formerly of Stockton, KS, passed away on December 1, 2024, in The Woodlands, TX where he was living with his son, Kevin. He was born on May 23, 1935, to Harry and Esther (Junker) Schamel in Indianola, NE. He married Doris Allacher on December 4, 1960, in Herndon, KS. They were blessed with two children: Kevin and Kaylyn.
Robert's life was filled with a wide array of experiences, accomplishments, and passions. A Nebraska native, he first gained recognition as an All-State football player at Indianola High School, class of 1953. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for two years, much of which was spent in Germany. His military service was followed by a career in public service, beginning with the Bureau of Reclamation at Webster Lake and continuing with the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District in McCook, NE.
Robert’s work took him to Ellis, where he served as the Superintendent of the Irrigation District at Cedar Bluff Lake until 1979. From there, he moved to Stockton, where he once again worked for the Bureau of Reclamation. His retirement came in 1998, but he remained active in his community, serving as a county commissioner for 12 years and contributing to the development of a new airport. He also ran the scoreboards at the high school football and basketball games, cooked for the UMC weekly prayer breakfasts, and volunteered at the UMC thrift store downtown where he was often accused of discounting too much!
A charismatic figure, Robert was known for his sense of humor and playful personality, often the life of the party and the class clown. His fascination with space reflected his interest in technology and innovation, and he was a devoted fan of the Nebraska Huskers, earning the nickname "Mr. Husker." Outside of his professional life, Robert enjoyed hobbies such as square dancing, fishing, hunting, walking, playing cards and dogs. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump and took great pride in voting for him "again."
Robert is survived by his wife, Doris of The Woodlands, TX; son, Kevin Schamel of The Woodlands, TX; daughter, Kaylyn (Steve) Meredith of Thousand Oaks, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald “Doc” (Joan) Schamel; and seven sisters, Helen (Walt) Walz, Elsie (Ewald) Werschke, Ruth (Orville) Stewart, Iona (Gaylord) Harned, Roberta (Gerald) Brooks, and Esther Seelacek.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 10AM at the Stockton Church of Restoration in Stockton, KS. Visitation will be on Sunday, 5-7PM at the funeral home in Stockton. Burial will be in Indian Hills Cemetery in Indianola, NE, with a reception to follow at the Indianola Community Center.
Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or Gary Sinise Foundation and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com