Gary D. Schoenfelder
Thursday, December 18, 1947
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Age:
74 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday November 03, 2022
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Thursday November 03, 2022
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Preston [ view map ]
Live Stream
Please click here to view Gary's Memorial Service. Please note that the music will be muted during his memorial service.
Thursday, December 18, 1947
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Age:
74 years old
Thursday, December 18, 1947
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Age:
74 years old
Gary D. Schoenfelder
Gary Donald Schoenfelder, 74, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at St. Marys Hospital Thursday, October 27th, 2022.
A lifelong resident of Rochester, Gary was born December 18, 1947, to Elizabeth (Simmons) and Donald Schoenfelder. He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1966 and upon graduation joined the United States Marine Corps. Gary was a proud U.S Marine serving from 1966-1970 which included 2 tours in Vietnam and fighting in the battle of Khe Sanh.
As a United States Marine, Gary earned various medals for service and honor and achieved the ranking of Sergeant upon his honorable discharge in 1970.
In 1970, Gary married Jana (Murphy) Schoenfelder and together they had 2 children. They were later divorced. In 1983 Gary married Dorothy (Bork) Schoenfelder, they were later divorced. In 2004, Gary met his wife, Sharon (Spinks) Schoenfelder, they were joined in marriage on February 18th, 2021.
Gary worked as a salesman for Rochester Maintenance Supply, which was later purchased by Dalco. A lifetime salesman, Gary was consistently recognized as one of Dalco’s top salesmen throughout his career earning him the nickname ‘Top Mop’.
Gary had many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed hunting, golfing, photography, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was on the board of directors at the American Legion Post 92 and was a proud, dedicated member of the Honor Guard.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Schoenfelder of Rochester, MN; children, Karianne (Jake) Johnson of Clarion, IA, and Chad (Nicole) Schoenfelder of Rochester, MN; brother, Greg (Gwen) Schoenfelder of Rochester, MN; sister-in-law, Pat Schoenfelder of Imperial, NE, stepfather, Arnold Thompson of Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Kayleen, Connor, and Meleah Johnson, William and Cole Savick, Ryland (RJ) Schoenfelder, and Braeden (Trinity) Spinks; nieces, Megan Schoenfelder and Jamie Schoenfelder (fiancé’ Brian Wood); and great niece, Myklin Schoenfelder.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Michael and Frankie, his stepson Doyle Spinks, and grandson Alec Lawson.
Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, November 3rd in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Fr Tom Loomis officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm prior to the service on Thursday, in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Interment of ashes will be held Friday, November 4th at 1:00 pm at the Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery, Preston, MN. All are welcome to attend.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of exceptional doctors and nurses that cared for Gary during his illness and passing at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary’s campus. We will be forever grateful for the outstanding care, kindness, and compassion you provided for Gary and our family every single day.
Memorials are preferred to the Honor Guard at American Legion Post 92.
Condolences
The family of Gary D. Schoenfelder has received the following condolences.
I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great friend and I'll miss him dearly. I'm not able to attend the funeral because I'm living in Arizona and just heard of his passing today. My condolences to his family and your in my thoughts and prayers...Bill Keehn
Calm seas, fair winds and the sun to your back my friend…
Brothers forever!
I first met Gary when I was 15-16 years old. He was part of a group of volunteers that joined the Marines and went to boot camp in San Diego. He had a great smile and sense of humor. He was respectful to our family. I have very fond memories of Gary and all the other Marines hanging out at our house on a weekend pass . He always seemed to make lite of difficult situations. Like water off a ducks back. I really enjoyed his company. He will be missed by many … me included.
Gary and I go back a long ways. My husband, Paul (now deceased) and I used to babysit with Gary on occasion even before we were married. When I think of Gary, I see a great big grin. He was such a happy individual. I am sorry that distance will keep me from. attending his Memorial as I am currently living in Tucson, Arizona. However, he and his loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P., Gary. You will be missed by many.
Love,
Your Aunt Pat (Schoenfelder) Leonard
Schoenfelder family,
I am sad to read of the passing of Gary. I always enjoyed catching up with him during my time working for RPS. I also have fun memories of our time years back playing softball with the Schoenfelder boys for General Maintenance/ Rochester Supply. Gary was a good man and will be missed, he will be forever in your hearts.
RIP Gary
Tom Delaney
What a great honor to have grown up knowing Gary. Caring, energetic and always spark of mischief. He kindly hosted high school kids and provided plenty of pizza over the years. Decades later was a memorable part of my fathers funeral.
He will be loved forever.
Brenda Jepsen
I’m going to miss seeing you in that beautiful big black truck. Rest In Peace Gary
Sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. We will not be able to attend as we will be in Florida but know that we will pray for Gary and the family left behind. He was a legend at Dalco. I will always remember the bantering between Gary and my Dad at work. Always giving each other a bad time. His laughter and story telling was legendary ?. He loved having a good time and that is what I will remember about your dad. He sold his last broom in this life……God bless you Gary Schoenfelder.
He will be missed by many.
Our condolences
Tom and Sue Graf
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs from Florida. We are here for whatever you may need. ❤️?