Leon Schoenwald, 70, has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Leon's story began in 1953, and unfolded across the years that followed.
The heart keeps better records than the calendar.
Leon Schoenwald, 70 of Monroe, passed away on May 14, 2024 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls surrounded by his family. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the First Church of Monroe. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, May 17, 2024 at the church with a Prayer Service starting at 7:00 PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. Leon Ray Schoenwald was born on July 27,1953 in Sioux Falls to William and Cora Mae (Miller) Schoenwald. He was the oldest of seven children. Growing up he helped on the family farm and participated in 4-H where he placed Grand Champion in showing sheep and cattle. Leon graduated from Parker High School in 1972, where he participated in football, track, and wrestling. Leon was united in marriage to Karlene Thietje on June 2,1978. To this union two sons were born; Heath and Bo. Leon worked for John Morrell's for over 46 years from running the line to running the forklift and everything in between. He also raised Labrador Retrievers, pheasants and sheep. Leon was a volunteer firefighter for over 40 years and even served as the fire chief in Monroe. He enjoyed racing cars at Thunder Valley and Huset's Speedway, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Leon was a member of the First Church of Monroe where he served as a deacon, elder, and high school Sunday school teacher. He served on the town board and was mayor of Monroe for a while. Leon will be missed. He is survived by his wife Karlene; sons Heath (Juany) of Marion and Bo of Sioux Falls; grandchildren Dylan, Andrew, Kaylee and Amanda Jaimes, and Ashton Schoenwald; siblings Pam Luke of Marion, Cindy Kaufmann (Al) of Howard, Karen Schoenwald of Canton, Jill Jensen of Hurley, Jay Schoenwald (Arlyn Kruger) of Canton; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Leon was proceeded in death by his parents, William and Cora Mae, brother Tyrone (Darnell), and brother-in-law Craig Jensen.
