Roger W. “Dutch” Schoenecker, age 86, of Cambridge passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2020. He leaves behind his wife, Ruth; six children, 16 grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren, and brothers and sisters. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 12th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti with a time for visiting one hour prior at the church. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Schoenecker was born in St. Paul on Feb. 20, 1934, and attended grade school and high school there. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean era, he attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a BA in Journalism. He returned to the University in 1980 where he earned his MA in Mass Communications.
Schoenecker joined Sun Suburban Newspapers as a reporter, working his way to executive editor of 13 weekly newspapers before leaving to join 3M Company as Curriculum Development Director for the Published Products division. He was appointed Information and Education Director for the Department of Natural Resources in 1969 and served until he and Ruth bought the Isanti News weekly newspaper in 1974.
In 1980 the newspaper and printing plant were sold and, after graduate school, Schoenecker became a full time instructor in English and Speech at the Cambridge Campus of Anoka Ramsey Community College. He retired in 1996 and then taught for six years at the Red Mountain Campus of Mesa Community College in Arizona.
Over the years Schoenecker served as Mayor of Grove East Village, as Councilman for the city of Oakdale, as a member of the School Board of Cambridge-Isanti District 911, on the Isanti Fire Department, as a member of the Isanti Lions’ Club, the East Central Regional Development Commission, the Governor’s Environmental Education Committee, the Knights of Columbus, the Isanti Area Friends of the Library, the National Council of Teachers of English and was an Isanti County election judge.
Schoenecker was a published author of four books and numerous short stories, was an avid hunter, fisherman, played guitar, sang in many choral groups and enjoyed golf and tennis.
Roger is survived by his wife, Ruth; six children, June (Bob) Cierzan, Jean (Dave) Mickelson, Todd (Nona) Schoenecker, Tom (Michele) Schoenecker, Jim (Jody) Schoenecker, Andy (Sandy) Schoenecker; three brothers, Thomas (Edna) Schoenecker, Mike (Carla) Schoenecker, Dave (Evie) Schoenecker; three sisters, Elaine Ruhland, Teri Schneider, Mary (Darryl) Morgan; 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.
dave larson says
I am sorry that you and the world have lost “Dutch”…. Ruth, I am forever grateful for the support both gave to me, well as the support for IJH and IMS. I loved it, when you began to refer to the high school as Cambridge-Isanti a decade before it became official. Cambridge-Isanti was fortunate to have you and your family in our community. We would certainly attend the memorial, but will not return until late March. With our love Dave and Liz Larson
Dick and Jean Hermes says
Soo sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the few times I was able to chat with him.
Rita Pierre says
Ruth,
We are so sorry for your loss. We were so fortunate to have met both of you and enjoyed the times we played cards together in AZ. Roger will be missed by so many.
With our love and sympathy to you and your family.
Love
Rita and Jeff Pierre
Matt Hanna says
So sorry for your loss. I remember your dad and always remember how nice he was. I giggled to myself reading this to find out his name was Roger just knew him as Dutch.
My parents MUGGS and Joe will welcome him into heaven along with many other long Lakers
Brenda Johnson Opheim says
Sorry to hear! Much comfort to you all!
Chuck and Jackie Osterud says
We are travelling and will not be able to be at the funeral service to personally extend our sympathies. Peace be with you.
Jean says
Thanks Dad for keeping your promise that you were not going anywhere until Dave and I could get to hold you and say our good-byes. You were always solid and my rock, you still are! Too much to say, but you can still hear me…
Love Beans.
Bill & Barbara Smrekar says
Ruth, we are so sorry for your loss. I have such pleasant memories of you & Dutch. We will never forget when my Julie was just 4 & she got her arm stuck in the pool table at Springvale Campground. You & Dutch were camping there & Dutch came to the rescue. She told everyone that Dutch saved her life! Bill & I are in AZ so we are sorry to miss the funeral. We will keep you & our family in our prayers
Bill & Barbara Smrekar
Carol Benjamin Nestrud says
Ruth, So sorry for your loss. Don’t know if you remember me, former neighbor across the alley in East St. Paul. Your family was very important to us, especially during my mom’s illness with M.S. I remember when you got married to Roger. So long ago, but I remember. What a wonderful family that Roger left, his children and so many grandchildren (I have 7 and know how precious they all are).