John T. Schroll, MD

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. John Theodore Schroll, age 72, resident of Olathe, KS. John was born in Bethesda, MD, March 5, 1951, to Dr. Jack and Ruth (Prentice) Schroll. He passed on February 3, 2024, at the Olathe Hospice House.

John spent most of his childhood in Hutchinson, Kansas. He had an extremely happy childhood growing up with three sisters and devoted parents. He was in Boy Scouts Troop 1, earning Order of the Arrow and Eagle Scout. John with his family were members of Trinity United Methodist Church. Much of his growing up years centered around sports as he was an outstanding athlete, enjoying football, basketball, baseball, and golf. This led to playing quarterback on the Hutchinson High School football team which led to a full scholarship to play football for the University of Kansas.

John met his future wife of 50 years, (Marian) Valjean Parker, while in 4th grade at Sunday School at Trinity United Methodist Church. They were active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship and enjoyed singing in the church choir. John and Valjean were married on June 9, 1973. They were blessed with one son, Matthew Jarod, in 1976.

John excelled at the University of Kansas both academically and as a tight end on the football team. He made the Academic All-Big-8 Team in 1971 and 1972, and graduated with the best academic record in his KU recruiting class of 40, receiving the Arthur Weaver Award. He set three University of Kansas pass receiving records in 1971, including most catches in a season (40), most catches in a single game (9), and most touchdown catches in a season (5). He made the Associated Press All Big-8 Team in 1971 with most catches by a tight end in the Big 8 Conference. The KU Football Press Guide in 1972 had John’s photo on the cover. John also received the NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship which was awarded to only four athletes a year in the nation. He could have played in the NFL, but he always wanted to be a physician like his dad and chose to move on from football to finish his education.

At KU, he was also active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity and valued his lifelong friendships that he made through this organization. He particularly enjoyed hunting weekends with these friends for many years.

Between 1973 – 1981, John completed both medical school and OB-GYN Residency (following in his father’s footsteps) at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. John served his community for 30 years as an OB-GYN associated with Shawnee Mission Medical Center, St. Luke’s South Hospital and Menorah Medical Center, delivering an estimated 6,000 babies. He was a devoted physician and dedicated to expectant mothers and always made their needs a priority in his life. One might say being a physician was genetic. Among John’s ancestors and family members, there have now been a total of 57 physicians.

John and Valjean have been members of the Church of the Resurrection for many years, and their strong faith has always sustained them and their family through difficulties and health issues, including John’s recent cancer diagnosis and sudden passing.

Family has always been important to John. He was a devoted husband, father and brother to his sisters and their families. John always enjoyed closely following KU’s football and basketball programs, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Jack and Ruth (Prentice) Schroll. Survivors include the following: His wife, Valjean Schroll; one son, Matt Schroll (Amy) of Chicago, IL; three sisters, Nancy Buda (Sandy) of Omaha, NE; Dr. Kathryn Graves (Jeff) of Hutchinson, KS; Barbara Saathoff (Ken) of Overland Park, KS; and seven nieces and nephews and 12 grand-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service for John will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Church of the Resurrection located at 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224, in the Wesley Covenant Chapel. Family will be greeting guests as early as 1:00 pm prior to the service. To honor John’s life-long love for the KU Jayhawks, we’re hoping many guests will wear some crimson and blue.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in John’s honor will be appreciated for the Church of the Resurrection. Checks payable to the Church of the Resurrection may be placed in a basket at the service or sent to the above address.