Dr. George C. Schowengerdt of Rolla, Missouri was born on Jan. 13, 1937 in Kansas City, Kansas to Dr. G. Carl and Olive Bernice (Coughlin) Schowengerdt and passed away Feb. 6, 2026 at the age of 89 years.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, a Master of Science in Counseling from Stout State University in Menomonie, Wisconsin and completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 1969 at the University of Missouri–Columbia.
He spent the majority of his career at the University of Missouri–Rolla, retiring as Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. During his tenure, he served as Director of the Counseling Center and Director of Instructional Television, roles through which he supported countless students and colleagues.
George also served the Rolla community as a psychologist for the Rolla Police Department, a Reserve Deputy with the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and countless hours of service with the Missouri Highway Patrol.
He enjoyed camping, hiking, traveling, running and bicycling. Among his many adventures, he rode his bicycle from California to Texas, completed the entire Katy Trail, and explored the scenic trails of Door County, Wisconsin. One of his most memorable accomplishments was hiking to the base of the Grand Canyon and back at the remarkable age of 73.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. G. Carl and Olive Bernice (Coughlin) Schowengerdt; and sister, Ruth Rogers.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Schowengerdt; daughter, Gwen Cresswell and husband Doug of Rolla, Missouri; son, David Schowengerdt and wife Jill of Rolla, Missouri; step daughter, Beth Benton and husband Mark of Ozark, Missouri; bonus daughter, Summer Thorp-Lancaster and husband Mike of Rolla, Missouri; grandchildren, Joshua McBride (Tasha), Jared McBride (Megan), Nicole Mason (Keith) and Dane Benton (Tricia); great‑grandchildren, Carter McBride, Cason McBride, Lawson McBride, Kennedie McBride, Colt Mason, Case Mason, Marshall Benton and Emily Benton; one niece, Carla Rogers of Kaneohe, Hawaii; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Don Carson officiating. Pallbearers were Josh Mc Bride, Jared McBride, David Schowengerdt, Dane Benton, Keith Mason and Colt Mason.
Burial in the St. James Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home of St. James, Missouri.
