Robert George Schemenauer

Robert “Bob” George Schemenauer

Robert G. Schemenauer, 88, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Robert George Schemenauer was born October 20, 1934 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to William J. Schemenauer and Eleanor L. Bleskachek Schemenauer. He was a graduate of McDonnell Memorial High School, Chippewa Falls, and later received his bachelor degree in Administration and Accounting from Central Missouri State University in 1982. Bob honorably served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. While serving in the military, he met and married his wife, Donna, of 65 years. They met in Sedalia, Missouri at a popular local venue and quickly fell in love. They married April 27, 1957 and began their family. Bob entered military service in 1953 and retired with the rank of MSGT in 1973. Through his time in the Air Force, Bob was honored with the following prestigious awards: USAF Outstanding Airman of the Year - 1972; Good Conduct Medal with 2 bronze oak leaf Clusters; good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze loops; National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star; Air Force Commendation Medal (1970); Master Missileman Badge (1969), Longevity Service Award with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters; Meritorious Service Medal (1973); and the 3901st SMES P-R-I-D-E Man of the Quarter Award (1970). After retiring from the military, Bob was a proprietor for two local businesses in Windsor and Clinton, Missouri. After receiving his degree in Administration and Accounting, Bob passed the Certified Public Accountants board exam and was certified as a CPA in September 1983. He then opened his own accounting and bookkeeping service until moving to Jefferson City, MO in 1993.

With a passion and drive to help his fellow citizens, Bob was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives (District 119) on November 6, 1990 and was re-elected to the same state office in 1992. While serving as state representative, Bob wrote and sponsored many bills to assist residents of Missouri by providing flood hazard mitigation as well as assistance for families of veterans impacted by Agent Orange. He chaired the Interim Committee investigating the plight of homeless veterans in Missouri. Bob was Vice-Chairman of the Federal-State Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee, Vice Chair of Ways and Means Committee, as well as serving as a member on numerous committees. Bob was appointed Director of Taxation and Collection for the Missouri Department of Revenue by Governor Mel Carnahan in 1993. He was then appointed as a Commissioner of the Missouri Public Utility Commission on March 6, 1998. Bob received the “MOPAC Impact Award - Outstanding CPA in Government” in both 2001 and 2002. Additionally, he was the recipient of 3 Governor Awards for Quality and Production. He was a member of the Air Force Association and was a strong advocate for veterans and their families, serving on various committees and crafting legislation helping veteran’s causes. Bob was honored by the Marine Corps League in June 1993 as Citizen of the Year. On October 28, 2022, Bob was inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame.

Bob was a dedicated family man; a devoted husband to Donna, and an amazing father and role-model to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Contributing to his local community was always a passion for Bob. In his early years, Bob volunteered for the little league football, baseball, and basketball programs, and was vice-president of the local PTA. Bob was very involved with the Catholic church he attended. He served as a lector, communion minister, taught Sunday school for several years, and along with Donna, counseled young couples before marriage. His volunteer work included serving as a docent for the WWI museum in Kansas City, donating numerous hours at the public library in Jackson County, Missouri helping the elderly and those in need with tax preparation, and worked several years as a poll worker in Jackson County. Bob served as an active member of the following organizations: the Optimist Club, Rotary Club, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Farm Bureau, MO Society of American Institute of CPAs, and member of the Henry County and state of Missouri Democratic Party.
Bob enjoyed traveling with Donna, playing cards, reading, and was an avid fan of the KC Royals and the KC Chiefs. He loved his morning coffee and newspaper and looked forward to visiting with family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Donna; children Juli (Vince) Miller of Columbia, David (Kelly) Schemenauer of Parkville, Jodie (Alan) Jackson of Independence, and Doug (Amy) Schemenauer of Parkville; grandchildren Joel (Erin) Whitworth, Jonathan (Joyce) Whitworth, Jillian Whitworth, Alec (Shannon) Schemenauer, Adam (Elida) Schemenauer, Marie Jackson, Allison Jackson, Marisa Jackson, Annie Jackson, Meg Schemenauer, and Wade Schemenauer; step-grandchildren Sean Miller, Stephen (Allison) Miller, and Skylar Miller; and great-grandchildren William Whitworth, Copper Whitworth, Claire Whitworth, Hannah Whitworth, George Whitworth, and Bowen Schemenauer; and step-great grandchildren Layla Miller, Reagan Petty, Rowan Miller, Cade Bohm, and Grady Bohm; brother James Schemenauer of Chippewa Falls, sister Helen Schemenauer Williams of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Eleanor Schemenauer, sisters Rose Marie Dalquest and husband, Walt; and Delores Lanners and husband, Donnie; and one brother, William “Pete” Schemenauer and wife, Audrey Schemenauer.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Tiffany Springs Senior Living for taking such good care of Bob.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 14 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Independence with Reverend James Taranto officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am preceding the funeral services. Inurnment will be at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Catholic Charities.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.speakschapel.com