Virgil B. Schoenecker, age 96, of New Prague, died peacefully at his home at Praha Village on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Virgil was born on August 22, 1927, on the family farm in Belle Plaine Township, to Joseph and Celia (Ruhland) Schoenecker. He attended the district school in Union Hill. On August 19, 1950, there was a double wedding at St. Benedict! Virgil married Marie Hoffman and his brother, Ralph, married her sister, Rita! Virgil started working as a milk truck driver. A few months later, his father died suddenly and Virgil was called home to take over the family farm. Farming became his life and he farmed well into his 90's. Virgil's cornerstones were faith and family and his interests reflected that. He served as a trustee for 10 years at St. John's Church, was a member and former office holder in the local chapter of Catholic Aid. He was also a member of DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) of Scott County. St. John's Cemetery had a special meaning in the Schoenecker family – Virgil's great-great-grandmother was the first adult buried in the cemetery and all subsequent Schoenecker family members joined her.
Virgil was no stranger to grief, having lost his father as a young man and then his wife to cancer when he still had children to raise at home and finally, his daughter in 2009. These events shaped him and he assumed the role of father with his whole being. Christmas was a favorite and Virgil was known for his ability to decorate. The entire family would assemble at the farm for all holidays as well as every June to clean 200 chickens! He enjoyed woodworking in his leisure time, making small furniture, picture frames, and gracing every family member with a miniature sleigh as a Christmas gift. After Marie died, Virgil began attending dances and discovered a love of polka and square dancing. He loved playing cards with friends and family, especially Sheephead and Euchre. Virgil was a consummate gentleman with a kind and gentle spirit. He truly lived his faith and his gentle smile, kindness, and peaceful spirit will be missed by his friends and the family that loved him deeply.
Virgil is survived by his sons, Dan (Barb), Pete (Karen), Don (Colleen) all of New Prague; son-in-law, Dave Wagner of New Prague; grandchildren, Jeff (Jen) Schoenecker, Kerry (Brandon) Geis, Kate (Justin) Keil, Paul (Nicole) Schoenecker, Sara (Jim) Belmonte, Mike Wagner, Tom Wagner (Tammy Johnson), Jackie, Jill, Joe, Julia, & Matthew Schoenecker; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, LaDonna Peller of Bloomington; brother, Earl (Mary) Schoenecker of Maple Lake; sisters-in-law, Rosie Schoenecker of Bloomington & Rosie Schoenecker of Shakopee. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marie, on April 2, 1978; daughter, Gloria Wagner; parents; brothers, Erwin, Lee, Ralph, Robert, Joe, & Richard; sisters, Delores Gosewich & Rosemary Lambrecht.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 15, 2024, at 10 AM at St. John's Catholic Church in Union Hill with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will take place Sunday from 4-7 p.m. and Monday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. John's Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall.
