Donald 'Doc' E. Schamel

Donald E. “Doc” Schamel of McCook, NE peacefully passed away May 9, 2017 at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE with his family by his side.  Don was 84 years old.

Don was born on June 20, 1932 in Indianola, NE to Harry Albert and Ethel Adelaide Marie (Junker) Schamel.  He graduated from Indianola High School in 1950.  He attended McCook Community College on a basketball scholarship.

Don married Joan Koetter on February 20, 1955 at the Memorial Methodist Church in McCook.  To this union three children were born.  Joan passed away June 2, 2014.

Don proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War in 1952 - 1953, and was involved in the Battle of Heartbreak Hill. He deeply loved his country, a love he passed onto his family as he instilled a great sense of pride and patriotism in them.

Don’s work in the Automotive Parts Industry began at Shores Auto Supply in McCook.   Don and Joan moved to Omaha where he managed an Automotive Distribution Center for 8 years.  Moving back to McCook in 1976, the couple owned and operated Schamel’s Auto Supply, Inc. for over 20 years.  Don was also a partner in an additional parts store in Kearney, NE.  He had a great relationship with his customers, and considered it a privilege to call many of them his true friends.

Don was a member of BPO Elks Lodge 1434, McCook, where he was active in benevolent work for many years.  He was honored to serve as Exalted Ruler in 1988.  Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed sharing that passion with his friends and grandchildren.  He was a devoted Cornhusker fan who enjoyed traveling to many  games and bowl games with friends.  For many years, he refereed high school basketball and football games throughout Nebraska and Iowa.  During this tenure, Don’s officiating team had the great honor of being selected to officiate the 1975 Nebraska Shrine Game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE.

Don’s greatest pride was his family.  He loved being a father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He took delight in spending quality family time involved in activities, sports and family gatherings.

He enjoyed playing cards, especially pitch, for many years.  Staying active, he truly valued his Monday night pitch games with friends at TJ’s Fun Center in McCook.  Don also greatly enjoyed having kitchen coffee visits with his friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Joan Schamel; six sisters, Helen (Walter) Walz, Elsie (Ewald) Werschke, Ruth (Orville) Stewart, Iona (Gaylord) Harned, Roberta (Gerald) Brooks and Ester Sedlacek; and brother in law, Randy Koetter.

He is survived by his three children Susan (Garry) Malmberg of Omaha, Debra (Rich) Cappel of McCook and Donnie Schamel, Jr of Indianola; grandchildren Rich (Maggie) Cappel of Fremont, NE, Sean Cappel of Davey, NE, Sara (Bob) Langan of Kearney, NE, and Melissa Malmberg and Mike Malmberg both of Omaha; great grandchildren Emma, Everly, Rowen, and Landen Cappel of Fremont; brother Robert (Doris) Schamel of Stockton, KS; sister in law Janice (Norm) O’Grady of McCook; brother in laws Ray (Sondra) Koetter of Hemet, CA, Martin (Diane) Koetter of Downs, KS and Kenard (Lisa) Koetter of Ellinwood, KS.  Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and special friends.