Thomas F. Schoenbauer

Thomas F. Schoenbauer, age 97, of New Prague, died Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Traditions of Montgomery. Tom was born October 31, 1917 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, MN to Thomas J. & Mary (Pavek) Schoenbauer.  He went to St. Wenceslaus School and married Martha A. Franek on June 3, 1941 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Veseli, MN.  The couple started out farming but Tom would have many occupations throughout his lifetime.  He drove school bus for New Prague School District for many years and was one of the original employees of Cedar Lake Farm, driving pontoon boats, maintaining the fences, bartending, and helping with the BBQ chicken dinners that were the signature of the original venue operation.  He and his wife also cleaned the offices of O’Neill & Goggins Law Firm.  Tom was a member of the 3rd & 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and was a past 3rd Degree Grand Knight.  In addition, he called bingo for many years at the KC Hall, was the charitable gambling chairman, and served on the Top 6 for the St. Wenceslaus Parish Festival.  He loved playing cards, carpentry, trips to the casino and bus tours, and in his younger years, square dancing with his wife. His family was his top priority and he loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their school activities.

Tom is survived by his children, Martha (& Jack) Paur of Kilkenny, Delores (& Roger) Poohl of Osage, IA, Tom (& Jeanne) Schoenbauer of Faribault, Yvette (& Greg) Goodrich of Blue Earth, Marilyn (& Paul) Hentges of Jordan; son-in-law, Val Pink of Shakopee; 25 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Schoenbauer on January 25, 2011; daughter, Margie Pink; daughter-in-law, Mary Schoenbauer, son-in-law, Lynn Andresen; brother, Joseph J. Schoenbauer; sisters, Anna Barta, Mary C. Tupy, Adeline Horejsi.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 20, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Kevin Clinton officiating.  Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 – 8 PM and Monday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home.  4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand vigil from 6 – 8 PM on Sunday with a rosary at 8:00 PM.  Interment will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall.