Herbert Schnoetzinger

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Herbert “Herb” Schnoetzinger on April 20, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. Energy and movement characterized his 85 years, and he touched many lives with generosity, compassion, and humor.

Herbert was born June 4, 1940, in Geislingen an der Steige, Germany, to Karl and Augusta Maria Schnoetzinger. He remembered childhood scenes from World War II—B‑17s flying overhead and American tanks rolling through town. He and his friends ran out to greet the GIs and were given candy—Herb said it was the first candy he’d ever had. At 20 he came to the United States seeking work and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963; to his mother’s delight he was stationed and served near his hometown in Germany. After his 1966 discharge he became a proud U.S. citizen and settled in Wichita, where he used his tool-and-die skills working for all four major aviation companies.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma “Jacque” Schnoetzinger; infant sister Rosa; half-brothers Karl and Heinz Schnoetzinger and Anton Jesenik; and half-sisters Erna Jesenik Wilson and Cecelia Jesenik Schmidt.

Herb made a lasting impression on everyone he met. While working in Wichita’s aircraft industry he befriended many immigrants and joined the Wichita Soccer Club, where the game was a common language. In 1974 he started a weekly pickup game at Linwood Park that continues 52 years later; Herb himself was still out there kicking the ball until just weeks before his passing. He affectionately called many players his “soccer sons” and passed his love of the sport to his grandchildren and extended family in Arkansas.

Herbert met Jacque while skiing in Colorado; they were active members of the Wichita Ski Club and forged lifelong friendships there. Speed was his hallmark—skis pointed straight down the slope—his last run was at Copper Mountain in early March 2026. He was also an avid hockey fan, especially of the Boston Bruins, and would travel with friends to catch broadcasts before widespread streaming made that easy.

A natural tinkerer and fixer, Herb designed and built devices—one to hull the black walnuts he loved. He made toys, furniture, and swings for his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, who called him “Bobo” or “Herbie.” He delighted in German food perfected by Jacque, favored German beer, and was famously opinionated about American beer and bread. He treasured visits to Arkansas and the Ozarks, which reminded him of the Swabian hills near his childhood home.  Always a lover of animals, he was devoted to his three cats, especially after Jacque’s passing.

Musically inclined, Herb enjoyed everything from classical music to marching bands and sometimes joined a polka band on the accordion. He said the Olympic theme moved him, and the Star-Spangled Banner often brought him to tears when he reflected on his life in America.

Herbert is survived by niece, Monika Baumgart of Baesweiler, Germany and nephew  Albert Wilson of Geislingen, Germany;  step-daughter Cheryl (Jack) Dixon of Wichita; step-son Charles Beard (Beverly) of Rogers, Arkansas; step-grandchildren Christy (Ryan) Powell of Wichita, Traci (Thomas) Gentry of Overland Park, Gregory Beard of Rogers, Michelle (Andrew) Majors of Seattle, and Michael Beard of Seale, Alabama; and step‑great‑grandchildren Tatum Downing of Dallas, and Scott Thomas and Emma Ann Gentry of Overland Park.

We extend heartfelt sympathies to Herbert’s large extended soccer and ski families and to all who mourn his passing.

Memorial Service will be at 1:00pm, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel. Share tributes online at www.dlwichita.com.