Marjorie Crane Schnacke

Marjorie Crane Schnacke
Marjorie Crane Schnacke, 76, Topeka, was called home to be with the Lord on May 22, 2005. The daughter of A. Harry and Marjorie Hemus Crane, Marjorie was born and raised in Topeka, graduating from Topeka High School in 1947. She attended the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She graduated in 1951 with degrees in Political Science and History, and as a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board honorary societies.

She married Donald P. Schnacke in 1951, and subsequently moved to Washington DC to work at the Pentagon in the Office of the Under-Secretary of Defense for Research and Development. After four years, she returned to Topeka where she raised two sons and lived the remainder of her life.

Over the years, Marjorie contributed much to the greater community. Nationally, she served as Grand Vice President of the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, and President of the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation. She served on both the National Board and the Shawnee County Board of Directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). In 1988, she was selected to attend the Republican National Convention as an alternate delegate. In service to her home State of Kansas, she was President of the Native Daughters of Kansas, Vice President of the Kansas Arts Commission under Governor Robert Bennett, and Executive Director of the Kansas office of the United States Constitution Bicentennial Commission. Most recently, she worked as a fundraiser for the Kansas State Historical Society.

Locally, Marjorie served as President of the Junior League of Topeka, President of the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University, member of the University of Kansas Department of Fine Arts Advisory Board, and as a Director on the Topeka Zoo Board. She was the first woman to serve on the Executive Board of the Jayhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and her work there earned her one of the highest awards given by the BSA for distinguished service. But perhaps Marjorie is best known for her tireless work in helping to establish the Topeka Railroad Days Festival, and to preserve and renovate the historic Great Overland Station in North Topeka.

Marjorie was also a member of many honorable local organizations, including Chapter DV of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Western Sorosis, Minerva Club, the University of Kansas Alumni Association, and the National League of American Pen Women. She was also an Elder in her church, the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Donald P. Schnacke, Topeka; two sons, J. Greg Schnacke, Centennial, Colorado, and Tim Schnacke, Lakewood, Colorado; two grandchildren, Kent T. Schnacke and Anne W. Schnacke, both of Centennial, Colorado, and a sister, Judith Elliott, Chevy Chase, Maryland.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2005, at the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka, 817 SW Harrison Avenue, Topeka, Kansas, 66612. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. A special message for the family may be left at www.penwellgabel.com.