Carl Martin Schoenhaar, 79, of Hanover, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Midwest Senior Care in Galena surrounded by his loving family. “We are thankful for the compassionate care he received from the Galena Senior Care center and Hospice of Dubuque.”
Born July 7, 1945, in Savanna, Illinois, to Paul and Emily (Tack) Schoenhaar, Carl dedicated his life to farming, family, and community. He worked alongside his two brothers on the family farm, finding great joy in agricultural work. He attended Savanna schools.
Carl met the love of his life, Marianne Freund, while she was working as an X-ray technician at the Savanna Hospital. They began a great relationship and were married on August 16, 1969, in Dubuque, Iowa. Carl and Marianne‘s life revolved around farm, family and community.
Carl could often be found helping a neighbor if he wasn’t at home, tending to his own garden; he took such pride in the garden each year, sharing the harvest with friends and family and those in his community.
Carl never met a stranger. His proudest moments were centered around his kids and grandkids. You could always find him in the bleachers with a Diet Pepsi, popcorn, and Reese‘s Peanut Butter Cups. Home games were never missed, plays were always attended, and a smile never left his face. He truly was proud of everything “the kids” accomplished.
Carl lived a full and happy life and will be dearly missed by his wife Marianne; three children, Karen Andersen, Kristy Wolter, and Jeff (Michelle Callan) Schoenhaar; five grandchildren, Ashley (DJ) Wearmouth, Alexis (Austin Fosdick) Andersen, Riley Wolter, Jarrett (Allie Whight) Schoenhaar and Keagan Schoenhaar; two great-granddaughters, Quinn Wearmouth and Eloise Fosdick; brother, Richard Schoenhaar of Savanna and sister-in-law, Julie Bennett Maples of Savanna.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, son-in-law Raymond Wolter, and daughter-in-law Sara Schoenhaar.
The family will hold a private farewell visitation at Law Jones Funeral Home, followed by a public celebration of life at a later date, to be announced.