William L. Schoen, age 78 of the Township of Pella, Shawano County, passed away on Saturday January 9, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.
William “Bill” Leonhart Schoen was born October 31, 1942 in the Township of Grant, Shawano County, son to the late Leonhart & Amanda (Grosskopf) Schoen. He attended high school in Marion. In July 1964, Bill joined the U.S. Army; following his honorable discharge in 1966, he returned to the Caroline area. Bill was united in marriage to Susann M. Ready on November 12, 1966 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, Gresham; he was a member at St. Mary’s, Leopolis, where he served as a lector and completed many woodworking projects for the parish. Over the years, he worked for Marion Body Works, Welch’s Fire Apparatus, 3D Fire Apparatus, and finally F.W.D. Seagrave until his retirement in 2011. He was a part time Shawano County Deputy in the mid 1970s. He served on the Marion School Board and was passionate about education. Bill enjoyed welding, woodworking, and anything outdoors, including: fishing and bird watching. He also taught his 5 children to hunt in his younger years.
He had the need for speed whether it was snowmobiles, motorcycles, supercars, stockcar or his 1963 ½ Ford Falcon Sprint. The Valley Boys shared in his need for speed and were willing to join in at a moment’s notice. Anything and anyone was just a car or motorcycle ride away. He and Susie took day trips to Lake Superior. He rode his motorcycle across the state and home from Louisiana after a fire truck delivery. He took 4 of his children on fire truck deliveries to the state of New York and then a plane ride home. He was proud to help replenish the fire truck fleet in New York after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
He liked to use computers to learn about anything of interest. In his later years he perfected sausage making and smoking fish. A gift of his meats was treasured by many. He could turn a regular piece of wood into a work of art.
He attended sporting events for his children and grandchildren and could often be heard helping the referee make the “right” calls. He was so proud of his children. He would be there to assist with a simple phone call. He was a great man and will be missed.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susann
Daughter: Cindy (Darren) Olson, Green Bay
Sons: William J. (Mary) Schoen, Clintonville; Robert J. (Sandy) Schoen, Marion; Jody (Josi) Schoen, Marion; & Ben Schoen, Tigerton
21 Grandchildren
9 Great-grandchildren, with another one on the way
Sister: Mary Leder, Merrill
Brother: Dennis “Tater” Schoen, Caroline
Many nieces and nephews
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jeanette Bielke & Joyce Strelow; and a brother, Jerome Schoen.
The family would like to thank ThedaCare Shawano doctors and nurses especially Jenny, Macie, Ann, and Krista for their excellent care and support. Our appreciation to Father Matt from Tigerton for sharing Jesus’ blessing for Bill and creating a moment of peace and comfort for the entire family.
A memorial service will be held 10 AM Saturday, August 28, 2021, at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, Gresham with “Father Nonito” Jesus Sirios Barra officiating. (The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page). Inurnment will take place at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Cemetery, Township of Herman, Shawano County. Military honors will be provided by Blashe-Peters-Tober American Legion Post #456 of Caroline.
A visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville; and on Saturday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.