David R. Schoenhard
David R. Schoenhard, age 75, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on October 18, 2024, at home, while in the loving presence of wife. To honor David’s life, a private family service is being held at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving David’s family.
David was born on January 16, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Miles S. and Geraldine E. (Pitz) Schoenhard. He was truly gifted with an intrinsic ability to get along with anyone who walked into the room and this blended perfectly with his career choices. Many folks will remember David as the hotel manager at the Dubuque Inn, rubbing elbows with the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Costner while they were in town for movie shoots. He enjoyed making our out of town guests feel right at home and may have even allowed them to win a game of two of pool if truth be known. David spent his final working years with Rainbo Oil as well until health issues nudged him into retirement in the end. David was as likeable as he was motivated to give his best in everything he did and in that he found great peace at the end of each day.
David knew how to enjoy and make the most of his time away from work as well. If the weather was cooperating and time allowed, there was no doubt that burning up a few miles on his Harley was going to make the number one spot on his list of priorities for the day. David treasured the freedom of the wind rolling by him on the open road and it’s difficult to imagine a happier place in his life other than with his loved ones by his side whenever possible. David was also a Dubuque history enthusiast at heart. Countless hours were spent not only researching and enjoying the past around here, but participating in the events as well. He had fond memories of attending St. Patrick’s School as a child and winning the Best Goldfish Award at the Jackson Park Goldfish Competition. He would even occasionally share specific memories when the moment and audience were right such as his adventures into the underground caves during his youth where the Kennedy Mall now stands today. David embraced life fully and until his health battles began to take their toll, each day was an opportunity to shine his light on those around him. We will miss David both deeply and dearly upon his sudden absence from our physical lives today. His love and legacy remain, even as our hearts regretfully communicate that they cannot imagine another moment with this limitless pain encompassing them. Thank you, David, for simply being the you that everyone around you needed in their lives and may the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms until we all meet again.
Those left to cherish the memory of David include,
his loving wife,
Paula J. McNally, Dubuque, IA;
his five children;
his two grandchildren;
his two sisters,
Diane (Donald) McVay, Rewey, WI,
and Deborah (Mark) Johnson, Vinita, OK;
his aunt;
Shirley (Mel) Maas, Dubuque, IA;
along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.
David was preceded in death by his parents.
David’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be shared with David’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com