Johnathan Mathis Schindler

Johnathan Mathis Schindler, 47, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Thursday night, June 25, 2026.

John was born on October 19, 1978, in Plainville, Kansas, to Kenneth and Anna Schindler (now Anna Buhl). He grew up in Colby, Kansas, and went on to attend Kansas State University. During his early years, it was hard to pinpoint exactly where John would be; he was usually riding his bike, walking the streets, building forts with neighborhood friends, or playing Nintendo late into the night. As he entered his teens, he found a passion for sports—including baseball, basketball, and disc golf. Through these activities, he built bonds with friends and family that would last a lifetime.

John worked as a footwear sales representative for various companies, representing brands such as Timberland, Merrell, Crocs, Red Wing, Bex Sunglasses, and Twisted X. This line of work kept him on the road for many miles, crisscrossing the country. Along the way, he formed deep connections—not just business partnerships, but true personal relationships. To John, the camaraderie meant more than the sale; it was a brotherhood. Sales was his craft, and he was exceptionally good at it. These lasting friendships stand as a testament to his strong work ethic and warm nature.

John had two brothers, Raymond and Phillip Schindler. Anyone fortunate enough to be in the same room as the three of them knew it was a special occasion. As the middle brother, John always worked to keep up with Raymond and never missed a beat showing Phillip the way forward. Together as a family, they took many trips around the Midwest, generating so many stories that they practically became folklore. John’s devotion to his family was genuine and unmatched. The care he showed to each and every one of them is something to which anyone should aspire, and his love for his parents, Kenneth, Anna, and his stepfather, Steven Buhl, was always present. John was a wonderful uncle who never missed a chance to catch up or spend time with Alexa, Hailey, and Kora; he deeply cherished being called “Uncle John.”

More than anything, John was a husband, a father, and a family man at his core. His love for his family meant the world to him. It is impossible to fully capture in words his affection for his children, Ava, Jude, and Nora—they meant everything to him, and he was everything to them. Watching Ava enter her first year of college, Jude running track, and Nora shooting hoops brought so much pride to John that it was truly inspirational to witness his love as a father. Julie, his wife, partner, friend, and the love of his life, stood unwaveringly by his side over the course of the last four months. She supported him through every obstacle, never wavering and always staying the course.

Although John is no longer with us, he will be profoundly missed with every day that carries us forward. What remains—and what will stand the test of time—is the courage, bravery, humility, and strength of a son, brother, friend, father, husband, and man who lived, loved, and left this world better than he had found it.

John’s legacy of love lives on through his survivors: his wife, Julie; his three children, Ava, Jude, and Nora; his parents, Kenneth, Anna, and stepfather Steven Buhl; his brothers, Raymond, and Phillip and his wife Kellie Wark; his father-in-law, Stephen Schafer and his wife Brenda; his mother-in-law, Mitzi Mason; his sister-in-law, Sarah Schafer and her partner Jon Martin; Beloved nieces, Alexa Rezac (Matt), Hailey Hartung (Patrick), Kora Ingrim (Corbin). He holds a place in the hearts of extended family, countless friends, and colleagues across the country.

Many thanks to the friends and family that were there to help, comfort, and be in the moment with John. To the caring hands at the University of Kansas Medical Center that provided John care, thank you. John truly appreciated the kindness and we are grateful for the moments shared.

Please join us in celebrating John’s life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at 8100 Newton St., Overland Park, KS 66204.

We invite everyone to come together in John’s memory by sharing stories, cherished memories, and moments that made him so special. Your presence and reflections will help us celebrate a life well lived.