Gordon V Schalley

Gordon Vincent Schalley, aged 79 years, passed away peacefully in Omaha, Nebraska on August 5, 2022, while in the company of his wife, Karen. He was preceded in death by his parents John Albert “Al” and Mary Katherine “Mary Kay” (Manning) Schalley of Saint Joseph, Missouri; older brother Dennis Schalley, of Smithville, Missouri; son-in-law, Jeff Overlease of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and dear family friend, Frankie Harkrider of Saint Joseph. Gordon is survived by his wife of 60-years, Karen Louise (Snead); children: John Schalley of Omaha; Jennifer (Jeff) Overlease of Lee’s Summit; Jeff (Lisa) Schalley, Jim (Sabrina) Schalley, and Julie (Chadd) Christensen, all of Omaha. Also left to remember him are his grandchildren; Sarah (Jake), Kyle, Noah, William, Mikaela, Megan, Andrew, Evan and Luke, and great-grandchildren Wyatt and Liam, as well as many other cherished family and friends.



Gordon was born to Al and Mary Kay Schalley in Saint Joseph, Missouri on December 22, 1942. Stories of his childhood included reminiscing of his beloved cocker spaniel “Rusty,” who he would pen the poem “I have a dog named Rusty Schalley, he runs up the street and down the alley,” to ensure that people pronounced his last name correctly. Gordon also talked of his special pet duck “Donald” and the side-eye looks he would get from his parents when he would tell people about his “Duck n Dog.”



Raised in the Catholic faith, Gordon graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1960, a member of what was to become the largest graduating class in school history at 66. While in high school, he participated in track, basketball, and tennis, which he loved and went on to play well into his future.

While in high school, he met his cherished wife, Karen (Snead) at a football game. After dating through high school, they married on June 13, 1962. They remained in Saint Joseph before relocating to Marquette Heights, Illinois in June of 1971. Gordon and Karen raised five children together. While in Marquette Heights, he was a member of the Marquette Heights Men’s Club and continued to regularly play Tennis (proudly winning a few trophies in local tournaments).



Gordon’s long career in sales included employment with Johnson and Johnson, Armour-Dial, Colorcraft, Qualex​and Kodak. Through his work, the family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska in July of 1985. While in Omaha, Gordon enjoyed watching a good baseball game, in particular the College World Series or the Omaha Royals/ Golden Spikes/ Storm Chasers. He enjoyed watching fireworks during the Fourth of July celebrations, including professional, neighborhood, as well as reckless displays put on by his sons. He also continued to play tennis and softball. ​​



As a proud Conservative, Gordon enjoyed listening to and reading all things Rush Limbaugh, and took any opportunity to argue through the TV or radio with anyone who disagreed with his political philosophies. Gordon enjoyed gardening, in particular growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and tending to his (flowers) Impatiens. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs Fan and loved the music of Neil Diamond. Gordon was also initiated as an honorary member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity – Epsilon-Epsilon Chapter in 1991.



Gordon always appreciated a good meal. Karen describes him as a “Meat and Potatoes” man, especially all things potatoes. He loved French fries with ketchup and you could always guarantee a stash of his favorite snack of Lays Potato Chips.



Gordon enjoyed telling a good story to whoever would listen, or at least be patient enough to give him an audience. He was readily available to give his opinions on any subject matter or life lesson. Through these lessons, all his children were instructed on the delicate skills of properly holding a flashlight so that he could see what he was working on, not the holder; or the daily chore of “making the couch.” Gordon was also always proud of a well vacuumed car.



Gordon was proud of his family, including his five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-children, as the legacy he left to thrive. He enjoyed his and Karen’s dogs over the years, including Daisy, Shelby and especially Ginger. It was a gift for him to have the opportunity to tell those he loved that he was proud of them.



A funeral Mass will be held with family and close friends on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 11:00am, at St. Pius X Church in Omaha. The funeral may be viewed online at https://heartstreaming.link/gordon-v-schalley A private interment will be held with the family in Saint Joseph, Missouri at a later date. For those wishing to honor Gordon’s memory, the family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Nebraska Humane Society or to the family, to be directed according to his wishes.