Funeral services have been announced for Kent Schnakenberg, the Emporia man who became known nationwide for his fight against Tpe 1 diabetes — but also supported numerous other causes throughout his life.
A celebration of life will take place at 2 pm June 29 at the Emporia Granada Theatre. Residents attending the service are encouraged to wear their favorite Team Schnak apparel or dress casually.
Schnakenberg was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1955, married Natalie Larson in Emporia in 1980 and “never met a stranger” throughout his adult life. The Schnakenbergs got involved in the battle against Type 1 diabetes after Schnakenberg’s niece was diagnosed in 2013. Team Schnak was developed over the following year.
Among the families impacted through Schnakenberg’s work was Mike and Kim LoPorto, whose daughter, Kaelynn, was diagnosed around the time Team Schnak was announced. KVOE News caught up with Mike LoPorto as the family was returning from Camp Discovery Kansas, a place Schnakenberg treasured, shortly after Schnakenberg’s passing was announced Friday.
LoPorto says the families became fast friends.
Besides Type 1 diabetes, Schnakenberg threw his support behind several other causes, including people with special needs. This was apparent through his involvement with Ron’s Ride, KVOE General Manager Ron Thomas’ annual fundraising ride to benefit Special Olympians taking part in the annual State Games, as well as activities at Hetlinger Developmental Services. It was apparent through Schnakenberg’s support of cause-related events like La Grind benefiting Handlebars of Hope — with La Grind organizers calling Schnakenberg “the kind of person that jumps in and helps before you even know you need it.” And it was apparent through the family’s involvement with the Sertoma Club’s Miniature Train. Club member Vickie Brooks says the Schnakenbergs paid for all the rides during the regular season last year and did so again this year.
Brooks was looking forward to Kent Schnakenberg joining the club.
Regardless of the setting, Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch says Schnakenberg was an active player in making life better.
Koelsch says Schnakenberg’s focus was everybody around him, especially children.
Contributions can be made to the Team Schnak Strong Fund through the Emporia Community Foundation. Online contributions can be made through emporiacf.org/donate/team-schnak. Mailed contributions can be sent to 527 Commercial Suite B, Emporia, ZIP 66801.
