Robert “Lefty” Schoenmann
Thursday, January 28, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, April 14, 2023
Age:
91 years old
Thursday, January 28, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, April 14, 2023
Age:
91 years old
Thursday, January 28, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, April 14, 2023
Age:
91 years old
Robert “Lefty” Schoenmann
Robert “Lefty” Joseph Schoenmann, 91, of Rochester passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on April 14th at his home at Riverbluff in Rochester, Minnesota.
Robert “Lefty” was born January 28th, 1932 in Spring Green, Wisconsin to Hieron J (HJ) and Mildred Schoenmann. His family moved to Rochester, Minnesota where his mother was receiving life-saving treatment by Mayo Clinic for tuberculosis.
Lefty graduated from Lourdes High School in 1950. He was an avid sports player with a passion for basketball and baseball. His pitching experience earned him a visit from the recruiters from the Chicago Cubs with a fast ball clocked at 94 mph. Up until 2020, Lefty played softball for 30 years on both the Arizona and Rochester senior softball leagues while continuing to embrace professional sports as a dedicated fan to the Twins and Vikings.
After high school, Lefty went on to study business at Rochester Community and Technical College, following which he worked at Sears, Roebuck and Company as Division Manager of the Garden Shop, and later in the Appliances Department until he retired.
On June 18, 1954 Lefty married Patricia “Patti” Ann Melby at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, Minnesota. Together, they raised four daughters while residing in Rochester. When Lefty retired they moved to their second home designed by Patti and built by Lefty in 1970 on Lake Robinson in Wabasha, Minnesota.
Through the years, Lefty enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as his sweet yorkie (Tigger), teacup poodle (Kali Jo) and schnauzer (Katie). He loved duck hunting and fishing on the Mississippi River, and was known as a River Rat. Lefty had many hobbies, mostly that evolved around his family and friends, including gardening, woodworking and collecting and selling antiques with his wife, Patti.
Lefty was a stranger to no one and found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys and challenges of those around him. Lefty was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life, a dedicated son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had a strong faith, adored his family and friends and was full of passion and love, and gave everything of himself in everything he did.
Lefty will forever be in our hearts and missed deeply, especially by his wife of 68 years, Patricia “Patti”; children Cindy (Ron) Robertson of Oronoco, Becky (Mark) Wood of Gilbert, Arizona, and Kathy (Jamie) Dolan of Dover, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Lefty is preceded in death by his mother and father, his younger brother, Harold “Sugar” Schoenmann and oldest daughter Debra Jones of Byron, Minnesota.
The Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church,1114 3rd St SE, Rochester with Rev. Jim Berning officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. All are invited to the luncheon downstairs immediately following Mass. Christian burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com. Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice in Rochester, Minnesota or Paws and Claws Humane Society.
Condolences
The family of Robert “Lefty” Schoenmann has received the following condolences.
Lefty was one of the great guys I met at Sears Roebuck while working for Dean Witter (also part of Sears). He was a client and very fine guy to do business with. I always enjoyed his great sense of humor and positive attitude. I am sure he will be missed by many. My wholehearted sympathy goes out to Pat and his family.
Al Muerhoff
Bloomington
Pat and family. We are sorry for your loss . Lefty was a very wonderful and caring person. He will be greatly missed. I (Launie) worked with him at Sears starting in 1968 until retirement. Ralph worked with him from 1991 until retirement. Many fun times were had. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time?!
With our Deepest Sympathy,
Ralph & Laune (Olson) Smith
To Pat Schoenmann and Family, Jim Cook here from old guys – RMSS, softball. With warm regards for you and family, I CELEBRATE Lefty’s LIFE and my time knowing Lefty. Starting in 2009 we shared many interesting softball experiences, “solving the world’s problems” discussions, and experiences with Msgr. Thomas Cook (no relation) when Father was Pastor in Wabasha. I am thankful I was among the RMSS-ers who met at River Bluff - celebrating his “91st birthday.
Regretfully I won’t be able to participate in Lefty’s Memorial services in early May. I just had hip replacement revision surgery and early in its long rehab time-line. Speaking of hip surgery, I clearly recall Lefty’s 2018 telephone call encouraging me right after that surgery.
Truly “Lefty was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life, …”
My wife Becky and I will be sending a memorial in honor of Lefty to Mayo Clinic Hospice in Rochester.
Jim
To Pat Schoenmann and Family, Jim Cook here from old guys – RMSS, softball. With warm regards for you and family, I CELEBRATE Lefty’s LIFE and my time knowing Lefty. Starting in 2009 we shared many interesting softball experiences, “solving the world’s problems” discussions, and experiences with Msgr. Thomas Cook (no relation) when Father was Pastor in Wabasha. I am thankful I was among the RMSS-ers who met at River Bluff - celebrating his “91st birthday.
Regretfully I won’t be able to participate in Lefty’s Memorial services in early May. I just had hip replacement revision surgery and early in its long rehab time-line. Speaking of hip surgery, I clearly recall Lefty’s 2018 telephone call encouraging me right after that surgery.
Truly “Lefty was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life, …”
My wife Becky and I will be sending a memorial in honor of Lefty to Mayo Clinic Hospice in Rochester.
Jim
To Pat Schoenmann and Family, Jim Cook here from old guys – RMSS, softball. With warm regards for you and family, I CELEBRATE Lefty’s LIFE and my time knowing Lefty. Starting in 2009 we shared many interesting softball experiences, “solving the world’s problems” discussions, and experiences with Msgr. Thomas Cook (no relation) when Father was Pastor in Wabasha. I am thankful I was among the RMSS-ers who met at River Bluff - celebrating his “91st birthday.
Regretfully I won’t be able to participate in Lefty’s Memorial services in early May. I just had hip replacement revision surgery and early in its long rehab time-line. Speaking of hip surgery, I clearly recall Lefty’s 2018 telephone call encouraging me right after that surgery.
Truly “Lefty was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life, …”
My wife Becky and I will be sending a memorial in honor of Lefty to Mayo Clinic Hospice in Rochester.
Jim
To the family of Lefty. I was sorry to hear of his passing. We worked together at Sears Crossroad. We talked basketball along with Donn Fredrich. He always seem to be in a good mood and a smile on his face. He will be missed but memories are the best. May God bless all of and keep you in His care.
With Deepest Sympathy
Alberta Hobson
I had the pleasure of with Lefty at SEARS in the late -70s and early 80s. Was a great co-worker and always enjoyed talking with him in the break room. RIP Lefty.
Cindy I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad,I’m sending you hugs and prayers!
What a great obit for a great life lived! He sure will be missed, but i hope he is enjoying eternity with his loved ones in heaven! Love ya Uncle Lefty!
LEFTY IS GONNA PLAY FOR THE BIG GUYS HEAVENLY TEAM. GOD IS GONNA HAVE HIS HANDS FULL NO LEFTY you can't bat clean up or be the starting pitcher
. you must first earn your WINGS
WINGS NOT WINS LEFTY
THERE IS ONLY ONE LEFTY
REST IN PEACE LEFTY AND FIND THE OTHER GUYS SO YOU CAN GET A GAME GOING. REST IN PEACE.,GOD BLESS PAT AND THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS