Donald Schoenberger

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. — A Mass of Christian Burial for Donald William Schoenberger, 94, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Thermopolis. A luncheon will follow for family and friends at the St. Francis Parish Hall.

A private family burial will take place at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Francis Catholic Church or Hot Springs County Senior Center, Thermopolis, Wyoming. Mortimore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He died Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Hot Springs Co Memorial Hospital. He had been a resident of Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Wellness Center for the past five years.

Don was born Nov. 1, 1923, at Rolfe, Iowa, to William and Elizabeth (Cox) Schoenberger. He was baptized and made his 1st Communion and Confirmation at Saint Margaret’s Catholic Church in Rolfe, Iowa.

He moved to Balaton in February of 1941. His parents purchased a farm NW of Balaton. Don attended Balaton High School and graduated in 1942.

He helped his parents farm. On Sept. 27, 1950, he married Alice Coudron and they moved in a farm house one mile north of his folks. Don farmed with his dad until Jan. 1, 1955, when he and his wife Alice moved onto his parents’ farm which they later bought.

Don was very active in many organizations. He was president of the Balaton Farmers Union Local for 25 years, treasurer of the Rock Lake Township for 32 years and taught CCD classes at St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler for several years. Don was a Knight of Columbus 3rd degree. He joined the Eagles in the 1980s and was an active member.

Don farmed in Minnesota for many years and then went to work for Schwan’s in 1972. He worked there for 18 years when he retired. Over the years Don and Alice enjoyed many camping adventures and taking numerous trip tours throughout the United States.

The couple sold their farm in 1997 and moved to Thermopolis, Wyoming, to be near their children and grandchildren. Don and his wife spent a lot of time at the Sr. Center where they enjoyed visiting with many friends. They were also active in St. Francis Catholic Church.

Don is survived by his children: Maxine (Dale) Ruppert; Jeanne (Jeff) Mumm all of Basin, Wyoming; Patrick Schoenberger of Las Vegas, Nev., and Karlene (John) Huckman of Thermopolis; grandchildren Tammy (Ed) Castagne of Cody, Wyoming, and Matthew King of Casper, Wyoming; great-grandchildren, Garrett Castagne, of Cody, Zaccery William Shoup King of Casper, and Jessica (Kevin) Straw of Cody, and three great-great-granddaughters of Cody, Wyoming. He is also survived by one sister, Aloma Coudron of Marshall, along with one brother-in-law and a sister-in-law from Minnesota. Don also has many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Alice; his sister Betty; daughter-in-law Sharon Schoenberger and great-grandson Justin Harwood.