Roger C. Schnackenberg, 88, of Shell Knob, Missouri, passed away Sept. 16, 2026. He was born July 23, 1938, to William and Edna (Seifert) Schnackenberg.
Roger was a kind, caring man with a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine love for people. He was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, an absolute gentleman, and someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
On July 23, 1960, Roger married his beloved wife, Nadine (Russell) Schnackenberg. Together they shared 66 years of marriage, raising their family and building a lifetime of memories. Roger cherished Nadine and his family above all else.
Roger attended 1½ years of college before entering the United States Army, where he trained and served as a Radiologic Technologist from April 15, 1958, through April 14, 1964. He went on to serve as Director of Radiology at Labette County Medical Center in Parsons, Kansas. During his career, Roger helped establish the radiology program at Labette Community College and was instrumental in establishing the Parsons Dolphins Swim Team. His dedication to the radiology profession earned him recognition as a Fellow of the Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists in 1989. He also served as KSRT president during 1969–70 and 1971–72.
Roger was active in professional organizations throughout his career, including AART, ASRT, KSRT, ISRRT, AUTM, IFM, and AMTA.
Never being one to stop learning, Roger began a second career after retirement as a massage therapist at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, where he spent 20 years serving others.
Roger enjoyed fishing, golfing, woodworking, stained glass, gardening, and spending time at the lake with family and friends. He was active in Peace Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder, president, and vice-president. He was also a member of VFW Post #2203, the Cassville American Legion, and the Master Gardeners Club. Roger served 12 years on the USD #503 School Board, was a Boy Scouts leader, and served on the Shell Knob–Viola Road District, giving his time and experience to support his community and the people in it.
Roger is survived by his wife, Nadine; his children, R.C. Schnackenberg and his wife, Jean, Shelly Gannaway, Heather Roderique and her husband, John, and Diane VanBecelaere (Kevin Michael); grandchildren Ashley (Chris) Deason, Krista and Stacie Schnackenberg, Gabbie and Gavin Gannaway, Hailey (Trey) Derryberry, John (Corbin) Roderique, Tyson Roderique, Zach and Chloe VanBecelaere; and ten great-grandchildren, Luca and Judah Deason, Felix, Beck and Holt Derryberry, Bo, Cooper and Scottie Roderique, Elijah VanBecelaere, and Zoah Phifer. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Bitting, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna Schnackenberg; siblings Norma Nelson, Robert Schnackenberg, and Richard Schnackenberg; and sons-in-law Scott VanBecelaere and Bill Gannaway.
Roger will be remembered for his kindness and devotion to others. He loved helping people and, most of all, loved his family. He touched many lives throughout his life and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Shell Knob, Missouri, with Pastor Steve Okpisz officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, Shell Knob, Missouri, or VFW Post #2203, Shell Knob, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care of Shell Knob Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the family at shellknobfuneralhome.com.
