Dick’s life began on January 27, 1937, the son of Edmund and Thekla (Storck) Schnitker in Hoyleton, Illinois. He graduated from Concordia High School Class of 1954 and continued his education to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Education from Concordia University in 1958. He married Betty Jean Weber on June 15, 1958 in Amherst, Colorado. Dick was a music and elementary school teacher and later worked in sales and management.
Dick and Betty worked where the work took them from Evansville, Indiana, Saginaw, Michigan, Hutchinson, Kansas, Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado, Farmington and Grants New Mexico, Frisco, Texas and Wichita, Kansas. Wherever they lived Dick was involved with the church as an organist or choir director, church boards and a Bible study teacher. He was also involved in Civitan, Lions and several civic organizations.
His loving family includes his wife of almost 62 years, Betty of the home; son, Terry Schnitker of Augusta, Kansas, granddaughters, Makenzi and Mariah Schnitker of Augusta; a brother and his wife, Rollen and Gerri Schnitker, and a sister-in-law, Margaret “Ann” Schnitker all of Hoyleton, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael (May 5, 2020) and his brother, Donald Schnitker. Dick passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2020 at the age of 83 years old. He is now breathing easily as he is playing and singing joyfully to his Lord and Savior.
Services are pending at this time. Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be directed to His Helping Hands in care of Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 902 E. D Street, Hillsboro, Kansas 67063.