Michael Schoenecker, age 78 of Cambridge, died December 8, 2021 at home surrounded by family. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 15th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti with a gathering time 1 hour prior.
Michael (Mike) John Schoenecker passed away at the age of 78 on December 8th, 2021 at home in Cambridge, MN surrounded by his loving family. He was born in St. Paul, MN on November 30, 1943 to his parents Herbert and Louise Schoenecker. He was one of 15 children in a family filled with the LOVE of Jesus.
He went to school at North St. Paul High School. Joined the Navy at 17 years old and served 1961 to 1964. Graduated from Metro State University. He later served in the MN National Guard as a military policeman. He was a jack of all trades and worked in many professions through out his life. He was a business owner, engineer at Unisys, realtor, police officer and a mailman.
He married Carla Dell Knippel on 8/2/1969 in Winona, MN. They were married for 52 years. They raised their 3 children in Forest Lake, MN then later retired to their cabin in Aitkin, MN. After retirement they enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Arizona. They recently moved to Cambridge, MN to be close to family.
Mike enjoyed life with his family; hiking, vacations, fishing, hunting and camping. He loved to play cards, bean bag and was very good at the arts of photography, painting and stained glass. He was very intelligent and loved to study geology, space, electronics, etc. but, most of all his Catholic faith. He was a servant in his community through volunteering at Caring and Sharing Hands, as a confirmation teacher, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus.
Mike LOVED his family unconditionally. He LOVED his wife. He is very proud of all his children and grandchildren. Most of all he LOVES the Lord.
Mike is survived by his wife, Carla; daughters, Kelly (Jason) White, Kathie (Marco) Barberis, Kari (Rich) Barber; Grandchildren, Allie White, Nolan and Lucy Barber; Sisters, Teri Schneider and Mary (Daryl) Morgan and Brother, Dave (Ev) Schoenecker; Sisters in law, Edna Schoenecker, Ruth Schoenecker, Mary Schoenecker; many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Louise Schoenecker; Son, John; Sisters, Louise Schoenecker, Elaine (Mel) Ruhland, Bette (Dick) Conners, Jean (George) Boldt; Brothers, Bud (Lorrayne) Schoenecker, James Schoenecker, Richard Schoenecker, Tom Schoenecker, Rog Schoenecker, Bob (Rita) Schoenecker, Jerry Schoenecker and brother in law, DeWayne Schneider.
We all LOVE you and miss you! Please pray and intercede for us in Heaven.
My brother, my friend. Rest in Peace in the arms of our Savior. So many, many memories of growing up, making our own families, sharing Christmases, Thanksgivings, hiking in Arizona, cards, golfing, parties with our other siblings. We will miss you but look forward to seeing you again some day.
A Few years ago our brother Herb ( Bud) died, and his obituary was in the paper. about his being in the war WW 2. A friend of mine commented that he was a Hero, I said well I guess so, and went home. At home I started thinking and began to cry. You see growing up I never had heros like sports or movie stars, I realized My brothers were my Heros, and now they are all gone. but the most important Hero in my life is still here with me. He is our Lord Jesus Christ. My brothers are with him now resting in his arms. Some day I hope to be with them.
I miss you dad, I will do my very best here on Earth to see you again in heaven. I love you!!!
My dear Mike,
Thank you so much to let me be part of your lovely family.
You will be forever my second dad.
Dear Carla, Kelly, Kathie and Kari,
Please accept out heartfelt condolences. We’re holding you close in thought and praying for your comfort and peace. Uncle Mike was loved, he will be missed dearly and never forgotten. We’re thankful for the memories.
Bob and I met Mike through the marriage of our children, Rich and
Kari. Mike is a person who is kind, loving and will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all!
I will remember Mike as a God fearing man who never wavered on his faith or beliefs. We will sorely miss his competitive spirit at bean bag and boccee ball. Mesa just won’t be the same this winter without Mike.
Mike, my beloved brother. I can only imagine the awe of seeing Jesus face and bathing in his presence as you now see him. Soon there will be a great family reunion around his throne. I am so happy that your life here was full and blessed. I pray for the strength and comfort of your family and friends. I love you brother and will see you again.
Dear Uncle Mike I love you and will miss you. Thank you for being my Godfather and for your love and prayers through the years. I look forward to seeing you again in heaven💗
Dear Cousins, I am so sorry to hear of the death of Mike. So many of my best memories of growing up are wrapped up in the love that marked your whole family. As an only child, every visit with you all stirred a longing in my heart to be a part of a family like yours. In later years, seeing the love growing and spreading throughout your whole family was no surprise. You were rooted in the love your mom and dad had for the Lord and for each other – and for each of you. I loved hanging out with Mike when I was a kid and regret that time and crazy full lives didn’t allow us to do that as adults. You have all suffered a great loss with Mike’s death. My love and prayers go out for each of you. Nancy and I won’t be able to come to the funeral, but our hearts and prayers will be with you.
Louie and Nancy Grams