Richard Schoenberger, Sr.

Richard Raymond Schoenberger, Sr., age 87, of Paola, Kansas passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the Olathe Health Hospice House. Richard was born in Long Prairie, Minnesota on December 27, 1933, to Frank and Ottilia (Lang) Schoenberger. Most of the family moved to Kansas City, Kansas in the ‘40s and eventually settled on a farm at Hillsdale, Kansas. Later, Richard continued farming with family friend Harold Crawford and shoed horses with Virgil Gray. He was united in marriage to Rosemary Hickman on March 15, 1958, outside of Paola. After Richard and Rosemary settled in Hillsdale, he began work at the Delco Battery plant and held many positions over his 32-year tenure. The last and most well-known position was groundskeeper. Richard was awarded his well-known nickname, “Shakespeare”, by his co-workers at Delco because of his signature bald look. Richard raised cattle and was known for butchering, gardening, and making pickles. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, pitch player, and loved anything and everything that involved his grandchildren. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank, Simon, Norbert, Joseph, Gilbert, Victor, Robert, Andrew, Vincent, Rudy, and Isadore, and sisters Virginia Emmert, Viola Krazalkovich, and Irene York. Survivors include wife of 63 years, Rosemary; daughter Helen Schoenberger of Paola; son Richard Schoenberger, Jr., of Paola; brother Ronnie Lang of Wichita; two grandchildren, Alicia (Alexander) Price (Schoenberger) of Topeka and Forrest Schoenberger of Emporia; and many other beloved family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm, Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Dengle & Son Mortuary Chapel in Paola, Kansas. The family will also host a visitation period for friends and family from 12:30-1:30pm. Burial will take place at the Hillsdale Cemetery following the service. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Louisburg American Legion c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Crematory, 305 North Pearl Street, Paola, KS 66071. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Richard’s Tribute Wall.