Donn R. Strobel

Donn Robert Strobel, 80, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away at his home on the evening of October 30, 2026. He was born on September 3, 1946, to Edward and Neoma Jean (Wolf) Strobel in Hoboken, New Jersey. During his early years, he lived in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota. In 1967, Donn married Jacqueline (Jackie) Ann Scanlon in Minnesota. Together, they had three children.

Donn served as a sergeant in the Army during the Vietnam War and received numerous honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal. After his military service, Donn attended Phoenix College and earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Mary in South Dakota. He built a career in sales, spending most of his professional life in the food sales industry.

Donn moved to Wichita, Kansas, in 1987, where he lived the next 40 years. He spent his later years enjoying time with his family, friends, and neighbors. Extremely personable, Donn was a familiar presence in the neighborhood and enjoyed visiting and chatting with friends. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, a collector of Schlitz beer memorabilia, known for his barbecue, and someone who loved good food and drink. He especially enjoyed watching and cheering on his children and grandchildren as they played sports, earning the affectionate nickname “Grandpa Coach.”

Donn is survived by his wife, Jackie; his sister, Dian (Jamie) Viesselman of North Haven, CT; and his three children: Todd (Melanie) Strobel of Italy, Timothy (Alicia) Strobel of Wichita, KS, and Tracy (Ryan) Nyerges of Seattle, WA. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Alisha (Matheis) Swadzba of Germany; Hannah (Nathan) Karels of Houston, TX; Helene Strobel of Italy; Ella, Ally, and John Strobel of Wichita, KS; and Trevor Nyerges of Seattle, WA. Donn was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Luca Swadzba of Germany, and Charles and Addelyn Karels of Houston.

Donn will receive a military burial at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Winfield, KS. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in early 2027. Final arrangements to celebrate Donn and his legacy are still being planned, and all family, friends, neighbors, and those who knew and loved him will be invited to attend.

Donn will be remembered for his warm sense of humor, his devotion to family, his resilience, and a friendliness that made strangers feel like friends—especially to those who knew him simply as “Grandpa Coach.”