Michael William Schoenberger

Schoenberger, Michael W. – Of Maple Grove, MN, passed away after a long illness on June 13, 2024, at Willows care center surrounded by his loving family. He was 88. Born July 6, 1935, in Perham, Minnesota, he was the youngest son of the late Frank and Esther Schoenberger’s ten children. He was a graduate of the class of 1952 at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis.

In 1953, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served on the U.S.S. Vega with the distinction of being a plankowner. After returning from service, Mike met his future wife Liz, and they were married in 1959. Their 64 years together were centered around their four children, who were his pride and joy – a love multiplied exponentially by the addition of their eight grandchildren over the years.

Mike had a long career in elevator construction, repair and maintenance, working primarily at Otis Elevator, among other companies. Notably, Mike worked on the projects to install elevators in the Minutemen missile silos and the iconic IDS tower. He was a proud union man and life-long, card-carrying member of IUEC Local 9.

He worked hard to provide a wonderful life for his family – and he loved taking them camping, boating, fishing and waterskiing. Mike was also an avid golfer who loved spending time on the links with friends and family, almost as much as watching the Twins play baseball. He was also a master craftsman and skilled woodworker, creating stunning furniture and cabinetry. For countless people, Mike was their first phone call when they needed help with home repairs or construction projects. He had a brilliant mind and loved discussing world history, current events and doing crosswords. He always had a book open and loved reading naval history (O’Brien!) and spy thrillers (le Carré!).

He is survived by his wife, Velora (Liz), his four children: Kathy Schoenberger, Joan (Jim) Mellor, Tom (Alexandra) Schoenberger, and Susan (Joseph Hockers) Schoenberger; eight grandchildren: Joe, Jake, Jon, Katie, Caroline, Michael, Annabel, and Zola; and his brother, Reverend James Schoenberger. He is preceded in death by parents Frank and Esther (Grinnell) Schoenberger and his eight other siblings. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 24 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN. Visitation at 9:30 a.m.; Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.; luncheon to follow. Private family interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Special thanks to the caregivers at Willows of Arbor Lakes for their care of Mike this past year, proving that angels walk among us.