Kirby Jerome Schoephoerster

Kirby Jerome Schoephoerster Kirby Jerome Schoephoerster was born on June 14th, 1957 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He passed away peacefully at North Kansas City Hospital on the morning of August 9th. Kirby was the oldest child of Dennis and Donna Schoephoerster. He lived most of his youth and teen years in Minnesota before the family moved to Kansas City in 1974. Kirby graduated from Oak Park High School in 1976 before heading off to join the Army in Hawaii, where he gave his service for three years. Kirby worked a variety of jobs (showing testament to his versatility), including being an assistant manager at Mr. Steak, working as a driver at Jefferson Lines and Payless Cashways, and being a delivery specialist at Oggi Modern Furnishings. After leaving Oggi, Kirby settled in at The Islander, where he would work and live until his death. He loved being close to his parents, and he gained many friendships during his time there. Kirby’s selfless nature remains in the hearts of everyone at The Islander. Kirby’s greatest love was his family. He took his role as uncle, brother, and son very seriously. He doted on all his nieces and nephews. One would often find him babysitting, watching their sporting events, attending performances and many other school functions. He loved family dinners and spending quality time with his two cats, Scout and Rudy. Kirby was instrumental in taking care of his mother and father during their final months. His heavy involvement in the care of his mother led to Crossroads Hospice naming him 2017 Caregiver of the Year. He loved Kansas City sports, including the Chiefs, KU Jayhawks, and the Royals. He enjoyed going out to the K with his brothers and best friend, Mark. He was a faithful fan during the Royals’ highs and lows. One of his favorite gifts was a portrait of the World Series celebration at Union Station. Kirby was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dennis Lee and Donna Mae Schoephoerster, maternal grandparents, Al and Elsie Beech, paternal grandparents, Earl and Nina Schoephoerster, aunts, Lois, Eleanor, and Judy Beech, uncles, Dick Beech and Bob Schoephoerster, brother-in-law, Lonnie White, and nephew, Brett Regan. He is survived in life by sister, Kathy Merola, her husband, Guy, and daughter Natalee, brother, Kurt Schoephoerster with his wife Sue, her daughters, Ashly, partner Cong, her granddaughter Lily, and Courtney and her husband, Johnny. He is also survived by sister, Kari White with her children Cody and Brandy, and her grandchildren, Leanna and Jayden, brother, Kent Schoephoerster along with wife, Stephanie and their sons, Kyler, Ethan, and Chase, and sister Kandy Watson with her children, Hannah, Kaitlin, and Keegan. Kirby was known for his generosity. Although saddening, his death resulted in saving the lives of his family members. His family plans to be screened for the same silent, hereditary disease that Kirby suffered from. Without Kirby’s help, many of his family would possibly be in the same predicament in the future. As a final selfless act, Kirby decided to become an organ donor, helping hundreds of lives in the process. The family asks for donations in lieu of flowers. You can also donate to four great causes dear to Kirby: Pancreatic Cancer Research, Crossroads Hospice, AA, and KC Pet Project. The family will have a celebration of life at The Islander Clubhouse on 1521 NE Parvin Road in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, August 19th at 11 AM. Doors will open at 10:30 AM. There will be a private dinner for family at The Islander on Saturday, August 18th at 6:30 PM.

Kirby Jerome Schoephoerster

June 14, 1957 - August 9, 2018