Larry Robert Schoenfeld 1952-2001

SCHOENFELD, ROHDE, COLLINS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 5/28/2008 at 14:32:35

Sioux City Journal
11 December 2001

MAPLETON, Iowa -- Larry R. Schoenfeld, 48, of Mapleton died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's United Methodist Church in Mapleton, with the Rev. Shirley Textor officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. today, with the family present 5 to 7 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Michael Saylor officiating, all at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton.

Larry Robert Schoenfeld was born Dec. 24, 1952, at the Maternity House in Mapleton, the son of Fred and Rita (Rohde) Schoenfeld. He grew up and was educated in Ida Grove, Iowa, where he graduated from Ida Grove High School with the class of 1971. Larry's first job after graduation was with Midwest Industries in Ida Grove. Through the years he worked at Iowa Beef in Denison, Iowa, and for more than 20 years with his father-in-law, Gene Collins, at C&S Equipment near Mapleton. He then worked at M.C.I. in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Specialized Hauling of Sioux City, P.B.X. of Dakota City, Tri-Con Maintenance in Mapleton, and Western Iowa New Holland in Mapleton. He was once again working for Midwest Industries in Ida Grove on the "special projects crew" at the time of his death. Larry was the kind of employee who former employers welcomed back due to his multiple skills and work ethics.

On July 21, 1972, Larry married the love of his life, Deb Collins, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Danbury, Iowa. The couple resided for a time in Ida Grove, and later moved south of Mapleton, where they made their home and raised their family. It was there that for more than 20 years they also welcomed numerous foster children into their home, five of which they adopted.

Larry attended St. John's United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Monona County Saddle Club and volunteered his time as a Boy Scout leader and committee chairperson.

Larry developed numerous skills in his lifetime which included carpentry, with a love for woodworking, plumbing, electrical work, and tractor mechanics to name a few. He enjoyed James Bond and Star Wars movies and Saturday breakfasts at the Beef-N-Brew in Mapleton with his daughters. Those who knew Larry enjoyed his sense of humor, often commenting about someone's "blonde moment." He had a positive outlook on life, not allowing tears to enter in. He never complained and trusted in the world about him. The greatest love in Larry's life, however was found in his extended family.

Those survivors left to cherish Larry's memory include Deb, his wife of 29 years; three sons, Dan Schoenfeld and his wife, Natalie of Sergeant Bluff, and Jordan and Zach Schoenfeld, both at home; four daughters, Devon Schoenfeld of Colman, S.D., and Kelly, Rheannon and Sianne Schoenfeld, all at home; a grandson, Cole Schoenfeld of Sergeant Bluff; his parents, Fred and Rita Schoenfeld of Battle Creek, Iowa; his mother-in-law, Elaine Collins of Mapleton; two brothers, Gary Schoenfeld and his wife, Sharon of Denison, Iowa, and Terry Schoenfeld of Battle Creek; a sister and her husband, Sherry and Kenny Tietsort of Battle Creek; four sisters-in-law and their husbands, Gayla and Jack Hargens of Denison, Lauri and Duane Hummelgard of Battle Creek, Jackie and Randy Gosch of Mapleton, and Geri and Jerome Wasinger of Mendota Heights, Minn.; 17 nieces and nephews; and many other relatives, co-workers and close friends. Larry touched many lives in his special way.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Fred and Sophie Schoenfeld; maternal grandparents, Emil and Theresa Rohde; two sisters who were stillborn; a niece, Heather Hargens; a nephew, Michael Gosch; and his father-in-law, Gene Collins.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Larry's honor.