Daniel J. Schoenberger

Daniel J. Schoenberger, 82, of Independence, died Friday, January 22, 2016 at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire. He was born July 6, 1933 in Arcadia to Louie and Rose (McCabe) Schoenberger. Dan married Luvane "Helge" Helgeson on July 5, 1958 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence. Danny was instrumental in helping to organize Tri-County Telephone Cooperative and worked there for 35 years. One of his passions in life was dedicating over 60 years to the Independence Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Fire Chief and President. Dan served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post 186, past commander and a member of the Honor Guard. He arranged for military rites for other veterans that passed before him for many years. He was an avid fisherman and was a member of the Elk Creek Rod and Gun Club. Danny was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and was an usher for many years. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletic events. Danny is survived by his wife, Luvane “Helge” of Independence; two daughters, Kim (Jeff) Bautch of Independence and Nancy (Greg) Thomas of Arcadia; sister, Susan (Robert) Betthauser of Couderay; daughter-in-law, Denise Tape of Eau Claire; two sisters-in-law, Irene and Angie Schoenberger; seven grandchildren, Jon (Valerie) Smieja, Katie and Brett Gamroth, Courtney Schoenberger, Morgan, Danielle and Jenna Thomas and two great-grandchildren, Aubrea and Connor Smieja. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William “Willie” and two brothers, Louis and Jim Schoenberger. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Very Rev. Woodrow H. Pace officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Monday, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to the family for Danny’s favorite charities. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Daniel J. Schoenberger, please visit our flower store.