Obituary: Leland "Lee" Schoniger

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation

A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

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In memory of

Leland "Lee" Schoniger

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 89

After a brief illness and stay at Hans P. Petersen Memorial Hospital in Philip, Leland E. “Lee” Schoniger, Jr., 89, passed away on November 4, 2015, with his family by his side. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather as well as respected businessman, avid outdoorsman, pilot and dedicated community volunteer.

The oldest of two children, Lee was born June 23, 1926 in Redfield, South Dakota, the son of Leland E. Schoniger, Sr. and Anna W. (Staehli) Schoniger. Lee grew up on the family farm near Redfield and went to country school where his Aunt Elsie taught. In 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, the family farm could no longer support two families and Lee’s family moved into Redfield where his mother and father owned several restaurants including the Nook Cafe.

In May of 1943, at the age of 16, Lee boarded a bus in Redfield to join the Navy and help fight in the war with Japan. But Aunt Elsie thought otherwise. She boarded the bus and informed Lee he would finish high school before enlisting. A year later, Lee graduated from Redfield High School and was on a bus that afternoon to enlist. Lee served aboard the USS Pentheus in the Pacific theater. Among many entries, his journal documents the day Japan surrendered after atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Lee was honorably discharged in June of 1946. After leaving the Navy, Lee worked in California until August 1947 when he moved to Philip to work with his cousin, Don Schoniger, installing wind chargers and wiring new homes.

In January 1950, Lee went to work for Hap and Earl Dorothy at Dorothy Brothers Chevrolet. He was inspired by Earl, who was a pilot during WWI, to pursue his pilot’s license and soon purchased his first plane with his friend Bud Hall. Lee spent many hours flying and often times flew parts and supplies to distant farm and ranch families. His most memorable time was flying medicine and food to those stranded by the blizzard of ’49.

Shortly after going to work for Hap and Earl, Lee married Betty “Jean” West on December 6, 1951 in Pierre, South Dakota. In 1953, Lee became a partner in Dorothy Brothers and later served as President until the dealership was sold in 1988 and he retired in 1989.

Lee was a life-time member of the VFW and past Commander of the American Legion. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and a member of the Elks Lodge for over 20 years. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Philip and served on the church council. Lee was a past member of the Philip Fire Dept. and served for several years as Assistant Fire Chief. He was a long-time member of the Philip Chamber of Commerce, serving as President for one year. He also served on the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association including a term as President (1980-1981).

For 18 years Lee was the Scoutmaster for Scout Troop 8 in Philip. He took many young scouts camping and hiking to the Badlands, Black Hills and Big Horn Mountains. He also spent time at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico developing his leadership skills. Later in life, Lee often received phone calls and visits from former scouts who thanked him for the influence he had on their lives.

Lee was a long-time member of the Bad River Senior Citizens and the Bad River Dance Club and proudly drove the community bus for Prairie Transportation for the past 18 years. He had a rich life filled with many friends and family, traveling, dancing, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and, most importantly, spending time with his large extended family.

Lee is survived by his sons, Michael Schoniger and his wife Janet of Centennial, Colorado, and Bruce Schoniger and his wife Ann of Smithfield, Utah: daughters Beth Smith and her husband Mel of Philip, and Mary Ragland and her husband Tracy of Newcastle, Wyoming; 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Lee was preceded in death by the love of his life Betty “Jean” Schoniger on March 9, 2006, his parents, a granddaughter Audra Nicole Smith, and his brother Wayne S. Schoniger of Phoenix, Arizona.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, at the American Legion in Philip.
Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, November 13, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
American Legion
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Lauren Ley
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Haakon County Crooners - Vocalists
"The Lord's Prayer"
USHERS
Darral Brooks - Norm Payne
Jim Nickelson - Jack Hansen
PALLBEARERS
Brock Smith - Colt Fitzgerald
Grant Schoniger - Eric Schoniger
Taylor Ragland - Matthew Schoniger
Andrew Schoniger - Elijah Schoniger
Cade Kjerstad
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, November 13, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
American Legion
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Lauren Ley
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Haakon County Crooners - Vocalists
"I'll Fly Away"
"Lord Listen to Your Children"
"The Lord's Prayer"
USHERS
Darral Brooks - Norm Payne
Jim Nickelson - Jack Hansen
PALLBEARERS
Brock Smith - Colt Fitzgerald
Grant Schoniger - Eric Schoniger
Taylor Ragland - Matthew Schoniger
Andrew Schoniger - Elijah Schoniger
Cade Kjerstad
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

We are so sorry to hear he passed away. He with his wife, was a great bus driver. He took me any were were u wanted to go. May God be with you and your family. ~ Gail gailneumann730@yahoo.com (11/13/2015)
It was with great honor that we had the privelge of meeting Lee ago Grant and Amanda's wedding. Our prayers are with his family. You have a special angel watching over you. ~ Ruck and Joyce Borzileri Littleton, Colorado (11/13/2015)
My sympathies to the family. He was such a sweet man, I remember as a child playing in the cars at Dorothy Brother & hearing his gentle laugh. Whenever I saw him, even after years of being gone, he always had a big hug for me...gentleness like that is quickly becoming a thing of the past. I will always remember him with great respect & a smile!
God be with you all as you say your final goodbyes to him. ~ Cindy Gabriel Nuzum Wall SD (11/12/2015)
He was a gentelman. Kind Christman
~ pastor Frezil Westerlund Argyle SD (11/12/2015)
Lee was my Scoutmaster when I started in Boy Scouts and also a man that any one could be Proud to call Friend. Always a smile and time to visit whenever our paths crossed. Please know our thoughts are with you . Tom & Jane Aasby ~ Tom Aasby Rapid City SD (11/12/2015)
Lee was my scout master all the years I was in the Boy Scouts and I've know him every since. I don't remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face an something pleasant to say. Truly one o the good guys. ~ John Hltzel Philip (11/11/2015)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lee will be remembered for his ready smile and generosity. Hugs to all. ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald Memphis,TN (11/11/2015)
The personification of the “Greatest Generation”, Lee went quietly about his business of making the world around him a better place; treating everyone with dignity, respect, understanding and kindness. May he rest in peace.
Hopefully your memories of Lee, and his genuine goodness, will help comfort you during this period of loss.
My thoughts are with you all.
~ Grant Dorotbhy Sioux Falls (11/11/2015)
What a great man and such an incredible loss to the community! It is so hard to believe that he is gone from this life. Praying God wraps his arms around you all. Love from the Konst family ~ Nick, Hallie, Chevy & Memphis Konst Philip SD (11/11/2015)
THANKS FOR SERVING ~ A VETERAN (11/10/2015)
Deepest sympathy to all of Lee's family. He was a good friend to all who knew him. May he rest in peace. ~ Cork & Bev Jahner Kerrville, Texas (11/10/2015)
Lee was a true gentleman with much to be proud of--especially his family. The entire Schoniger family is in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Jack & Pam Cassidy (11/10/2015)
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your grief. God Bless! ~ Lisa (Schofield) Jonas Pierre, SD (11/9/2015)
Lee was a pleasure to know, our heart felt condolences to your entire family. We know you will miss him greatly. ~ Jimmy & Dottie Ragland Apache Junction, AZ (11/9/2015)
So sorry to hear of Lee's passing what a great Guy. You are all in thoughts and prayers... ~ Bea Williams Missoula, Mt (11/9/2015)
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad/grandpa was such a kind and gentle soul. I will pray for comfort for your families.
Roxy and Ray ~ Roxy formanek Rapid City (11/7/2015)
Lee was just one genuine guy. He would give you a straight answer and you knew his word and handshake were solid. You all were gifted to have him as father, grampa and great grandpa and the whole community was blessed to call him friend. ~ Nancy and Charlie Ekstrum Green Valley, AZ (11/6/2015)
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this time of sorrow. Lee was such a gentleman and always had a kind word! We pray God is with you in your time of need. ~ Jeff and Kelly Penticoff Philip, SD (11/6/2015)
Deepest sympathies to the family as long as I've known Lee which is my whole life I have never met a nicer man. I don't think he had a mean bone in his body!! He will be missed dearly in Philip. ~ bonnie moses Nebraska (11/6/2015)
Beth and Family, So very sorry for your loss. What a fine gentleman he was and always had a big wave and smile when he saw us. Keeping all of you in daily thoughts and prayers as you walk this difficult journey. God wrap His loving arms around each of you and may you feel His peace. ~ Larry and Vicki Neiderworder Philip, SD (11/6/2015)
So sorry to hear about Your Loss. You are all in our Thoughts & Prayers and remember all the good times spent with Your Dad and Grandpa; He was a Good Man!! ~ Jerry & Kathy Noteboom Lead, So. Dakota (11/6/2015)
Everyone who knew Lee was blessed with his kindness and grace. He was a very special man and will be greatly missed by many. Hugs to all of you. ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City, SD (11/6/2015)
Dear Beth & family, Our deepest sympathy loss of your Dad. Lee was a very special guy. Enjoyed our visits. God Bless. Love and prayers to you all. Ralph & Cathy ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. (11/6/2015)
So sorry to hear about Lee, he was such a special man, we enjoyed all the dances with him. Hold onto the memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (11/5/2015)
Beth and family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. He was always so pleasant and friendly and such an asset to the community. I know how close he was to all of his children, grandchildren and great grand children and will be missed terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you. In God's Love. ~ Janet Lurz Wall (11/5/2015)