Dennis E. Schoenbauer, 71

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 a.m. Private family burial will occur at a later date at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.  

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