Dennis Schoenbauer
March 11, 1953 - December 16, 2024
Dennis E. Schoenbauer, age 71, of Belle Plaine, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side, on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. Dennis was born on March 11, 1953, in New Prague, to Eugene N. and Lorraine C. (Hartman) Schoenbauer. He graduated from New Prague High School and met his future wife when they were both in her sister’s wedding. Dennis and Mary K. Wagner were married on October 22, 1977, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. Dennis’s work ethic was legendary, and he started out as a materials specialist at Control Data and went to Kmart, from where he retired. Never wanting to waste idle time, he mowed lawns during the summers for his “fun money”, particularly to buy grills so that he could cook!
Dennis was a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a youth, he belonged to 4-H and took that commitment into adulthood, when he served as a 4H leader for his daughters, chaperoning many of their trips to the Minnesota State Fair. He enjoyed fishing and hunting – when he wasn’t grilling! Dennis’s indomitable spirit was also legendary! The twinkle in his eye gave a hint to the outlook that he always had on life. Tragedy hit with the loss of his daughter and son-in-law in a tragic vehicle accident but his spirit prevailed. A natural clown, he never got mad and could always find the humor in a given situation. His humor was often on the verge of sarcasm but it came out as funny and resulted in laughter. That sense of humor never left him, despite the severe pain he was in as the cancer progressed. His greatest joy came in his family. There was nothing better than time spent with them and especially when it included grilling! He bore an uncanny resemblance to a familiar comic character! “Papa Smurf” as he came to be known, along with the twinkle in his eye and the optimism of his humor will be missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary of Belle Plaine; daughters, Mary (Jem) Houser of Willow River & Michelle (Isaac) Boettcher of New Prague; grandchildren, Silis, Josiah, Lila, Betsy, & Elissa; mother, Lorraine Schoenbauer of New Prague; siblings, Donna Roberts of McKinney, TX, Leroy (Pamela) Schoenbauer of New Prague, Diane (Dave) Winblad of Lakeville, Lloyd (Lori) Schoenbauer of New Prague, Laura Lecher of North Branch. He is preceded in death by daughters, Melissa (Tom) Kerber & Mary Ellen (in infancy); father, Eugene Schoenbauer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at Bruzek Funeral Home with MaryCarol Wolf officiating. Visitation will take place prior to service starting at 10:00 AM. Private family burial will occur at a later date at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.
Mary I am so sad to hear about Dennis’s passing. I am also so sad for my friend Lorraine losing her son. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary and your daughters. And with a beautiful mother Lorraine and Dennis’s siblings and family losing a great man. Love, Julie Widmer
This is such a nice obituary. Dennis seems to have been a wonderful person who does all his family and relatives proud. I am an older second cousin who babysat for Dennis and his siblings in their old farmhouse and have not seen any of them except for Lorraine for many, many years. My sympathy to all the family.
It was clear that Dennis absolutely loved his girls! The passion and commitment he showed to his family was amazing.
My deepest condolences to Mary and the entire family.
Dennis was such a fun person. I remember him taking his girls to the bakery for a donut. He just loved being a Dad. He also loved County Fair time. He was there from dawn to dusk and loved every minute of the interaction with his girls, 4~H activities, taking care of the animals and always helping in any way, always with a smile on his face. He will be missed by his family and his many friends. My thoughts and prayers are with those he was special to.
I was saddened to hear the news about Dennis. He was such a good husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to Mary and the family.
So sorry to hear about Dennis passing. I will miss him at Sparetime. Always bringing his own cup in for a refill. And always willing to lend a hand if we were super busy. He also told me of painting his toenails in honor of his daughter. He was the sweetest man. My sympathy to the family.
So sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Many fun rides to and from work with you guys.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending tons of love, hugs and prayers! Dennis definitely was one of a kind. You never saw him with out a smile. And if you’re having a rough day, you could put a smile on your face his humor and silliness ! I pray you are dancing on the streets of gold with your daughters and everyone else you know up there!! Rest easy!
I had the privilege of knowing Dennis for most of my life. I always look forward to running into him randomly! He truly was a one of a kind person! Rest easy Dennis.
Dennis was a great man!! He will always be remembered to me as papa Smurf. Loved his smile and laughter.
Dennis was a great brother and I will miss him forever.
Well, guess I won’t find any other guy who had cuter toes than he did! And we had us some repartees along the way, too….! Sorry, girls…..
Our sympathy to Dennis’ family and friends. I got to know Dennis when he came to see me at the dental clinic. He was one of the nicest people! I know he cared deeply for his family, loved to be a master at the grill, and always had a good story to tell. I know all about his mischievous twinkle in his eyes, and his laugh always made anyone who heard it smile. I’m better for having known him, and I know he will be greatly missed by many.
My sympathies to the Schoenbauer family. Dennis was such a nice man!