Gary Schoenfeld

Gary Frederick Schoenfeld, age 60, was born in Mapleton, Iowa, to Fred and Rita Schoenfeld on June 30, 1951. He was baptized in Christ on July 15, 1951, at St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Iowa, and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa, on May 16, 1965. Gary graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1969.
He was employed for some years at the IBP plant in Denison, Iowa. Gary was united in marriage to Julia Davis on May 6, 1972. To this union two children were born, Tracy Joy and Tammy Sue.
Gary loved riding motorcycle and had fond memories of his rides with buddies to Sturgis. After purchasing a new Goldwing last fall which included a side car for his wife, his wish this summer was a joyride on the bike to Montana and Kansas City. Gary loved relaxing with a fishing rod eating sunflower seeds. The camping trips usually included Garys nephews Zach and Jordan and other family members. Memories of Lisas strawberry pies, campfire smores, and the fish fry will be missed by many. He was known for his great chili feasts and treated his family and friends often. Family gatherings included the special foods he loved of moms cream puffs, Sharons maidrites, and Tammys dream bars. Gary had a great time at his 60th birthday party. His newest hobby was target shooting with good friends, Don, Bill, and Jim. He also liked to watch stock car races. He looked forward to Wednesday night eating with family at Cheetas.
Gary Schoenfeld was united in marriage to Sharon Arends on November 1, 1997. In this union came the children Mark (Kimberly); Janet (Dan); Shelley (Bill) and Karen.
Gary and wife Sharon have enjoyed fun trips to Kansas City and Montana. They also traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia, when Gary was honored by Stihl Corporation with a trip to their factory to accept the highest recognition for the gold service technician status for Stihl.
Gary and Bill Gruhn were business partners at Custom Cycle and Small Engine for over 20+ years and best friends for over 40 years. Gary was a Service Masters Technician for Toro. He loved to please his customers, making sure everything was in working condition. Mornings at the shop included coffee with his friends and the latest news. He had a snow removal business in the winter.
Gary was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison where he was part of the Saturday night usher squad and enjoyed fellowship with his Christian friends and a supper date with his wife.
Gary died June 2, 2012, at the Denison Care Center in Denison, Iowa. He had fought cancer for almost two years.
Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Fred; one brother, Larry in 2002; and two sisters in infancy. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sharon; two daughters, Tammy and special friend, Michael; Tracy and her husband, John; four stepchildren: Mark and his wife, Kimberly; Janet and her husband, Dan; Shelley and her husband, Bill; and Karen; 13 grandchildren; his mother, Rita; one sister, Sherry and her husband, Kenny; one brother, Terry; and one sister-in-law, Deb; other relatives and friends.