Obituary for Reynold Schoenbauer

Reynold Schoenbauer passed away surrounded by loving family members on 11/10/2020. He was born in New Prague, Minnesota to Helen B. (Novotny) and Joseph Schoenbauer on May 7, 1934.

Reynold is survived by his loving daughters, Catherine Pauly (James), Sandra Cramblett (Todd), Jennifer Schoenbauer (Evan Griggs), daughter in law Nancy Schoenbauer, eight grandchildren, Ricky, Kenny, Kelly, Travis, Elizabeth, Kaleb, Alana, Connor, two great grandchildren Kristian and Kingston, Sister Eileen (Richard) Schmitz and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Joseph, his wife Elizabeth, and his son Richard.

Reynold was born and raised in his beloved hometown of New Prague Minnesota. He spent his youth playing sports, hunting, fishing and exploring the town and countryside. He had many friends and cousins whom he enjoyed spending time with. One story he loved to tell was when he and his cousin Ralph journeyed out to their grandparent’s farm in the countryside while only 4 years old, unbeknownst to their parents. He worked at a local print shop at a very young age. He also worked at the Green Giant canning factory which was far enough away that his dad either drove him or he hitchhiked. He had countless fond memories of his years at St. Wenceslaus where he attended first through eighth grade. The love and guidance of the nuns and priests were present in every memory and story he shared. He graduated from New Prague High School in 1952, however, he followed the high school sports teams and all their championships throughout his entire life.

He was drafted into the United States Army serving two years, ending his military service in the U.S. Army First Radiological Safety Support Unit in 1958. He often shared stories of his military endeavors, including hanging from a helicopter while testing for radiation over bomb sites. He performed those duties in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii and in Nevada. When he was stationed in Nevada, he and his army buddies, Pete and Itch, saw the movie The Sun Also Rises. It inspired them to travel to Europe after they were released from military service. Rey spoke fondly of his time “bumming around Europe” for an entire year. He was proud and grateful to have seen many historic monuments, cathedrals, and landmarks. He could remember the most minute details of every site he visited. His uncanny memory helped him to ace his future art history course in college which he took after retirement. He loved to tell his teacher he had seen all the places they studied first hand.

After returning to Minnesota from his trip to Europe, Reynold spent time with his father working at their house in New Prague. He later went to Minneapolis and was hired by Graybar Electric Company, where he started as a warehouse employee. He was extremely successful at Graybar and worked there for 42 years. He was promoted many times, lived and worked in five different states, and ended his career as the Branch Manager of the Columbus, Ohio branch in 1998.

Reynold truly enjoyed his retirement, traveling, playing tennis, fishing, reading, making wine, spending Sundays with his grandchildren, and telling his life stories.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Monday November 16, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Westerville, Ohio and will be live stream with a link at www.HillFuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, Reynold’s family asks for donations to be made in his name to the American Heart Association.