Donald J. “Donnie” Schoenberger, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on December 13, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Don’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  A private family gathering will be held on Thursday, December 18^th and Friday, December 19, 2025.  A private family burial will be held at Linwood Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Don’s family.

Don was born on January 24, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Donald M. “Cy” and Irma J. (Atchison) Schoenberger.  After finishing school, Don joined the U.S. Army and honorably served his country during the Vietnam War.  Upon his return stateside, he married the love of his life, Joyce C. Clapham on December 26, 1969.  They were blessed with 52 wonderful years together until Joyce was sadly called home ahead of Don on May 13, 2022.  Don’s working years were spent in metal processing yards.  He began his career right after his military service as a journeyman in ship scrap and metal processing.  Don was a large equipment operator primarily, but was really of master of numerous tasks and possessed amazing skills as a crane operator.  He worked at numerous yards throughout Dubuque over the years, but eventually retired from Alters Scrap and Processing in 2015.  Don enjoyed his years, the friendships he made and always appreciated the opportunity to teach and leave his talents for the next generation to follow.  He was also a faithful on-call mechanic for the family farm and would graciously assist whenever needed after his full-time responsibilities were done.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Don, that is what he was all about.  A low-key, soft-spoken, quiet guy who listened more than he spoke, shared advice when appropriate and avoided confrontation at all costs; he just wanted peace in the world around him.  If a situation required a strong hand, he would make sure that you knew why that was necessary, but primarily he looked for the good in others, leaned into offering the benefit of the doubt whenever possible, genuinely assisted anyone in need, and never judged.  When downtime arrived, Don enjoyed a cold beer and a fishing pole or hunting rifle in hand.  “A bad day fishing/hunting beats a good day at work.”  He spent countless hours tinkering in the garage, building his latest contraption or sharing his skills with those who just needed a little help with their projects.  His mornings were generally spent scrolling through his computer looking up the events of the day with a hot cup of coffee in hand, and when Sunday’s came around, you could easily find Don and Joyce taking long car rides together along the Mississippi.  From time to time they would make their way to the casinos and attempt to beat the buffalos and meet friends along the way.  If Don made his way into his favorite recliner after all the day’s activities were complete, his remote usually stopped on old westerns and cop shows, or paranormal activity programming.

But, for those who knew and loved Don best, his family was undeniably his greatest joy.  When his children and grandchildren were nearby, Don was surely in his happy place.  When the time together was ended he always had the “You be careful now, love you” at the ready.  Don loved his family, and his pets, more than they could really comprehend and for that we are beyond blessed.  So, as we must now face this new reality ahead, let us simply say “Don, we love you dearly and be careful until we all meet again!”

Those left to cherish the memory of Don include,

his two children,
Illa (Jim) Arthofer, Dubuque, IA,
and John (Sue) Schoenberger, Dubuque, IA;

his four grandchildren,
Shelby (Adam) Slade, Colton (Bobbie Runde) Arthofer, Taylor Mundschenk and Kennedy Mundschenk;

his sisters-in-law,
Illa McDermott, Dubuque, IA,
and Bertha Thoma, St. Donatus, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 52 years, Joyce C. (Clapham) Schoenberger; his mother and father-in-law, Elmer (Virginia) Clapham; his siblings, Ben (Joyce) Schoenberger and Bob (Karen) Schoenberger; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Christine (Roger) Clark, Joey Clapham, Butch McDermott, William Clapham, Don Thoma and David Clapham; and his nephew, Dawson McDermott.

Don’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their amazing support in a time of sorrow and we are eternally grateful for all of the kind-hearted staff who assisted with our Dad’s care.  This is a wonderful organization who truly cares in every aspect and we are beyond blessed that they were with us until the very end.

Online condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com