Richard "Dick" Schoenhaar

Richard “Dick” Joe Schoenhaar, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on April 6—leaving behind a lifetime of love, hard work, and quiet strength that will never be forgotten.

Dick was born on August 17, 1946, in Savanna to Paul and Emily (Tack) Schoenhaar. He grew up with his brothers, Jim and Carl, learning early on what it meant to work hard and take care of the people you love. When his father passed away while Dick was still young, he didn’t hesitate—he stepped into a role far beyond his years, helping provide for his family. That sense of responsibility, resilience, and selflessness stayed with him for the rest of his life. He was incredibly smart, especially when it came to numbers, but more than anything, he had a deep and unwavering love for his mom.

Dick met the love of his life, Kathy Brundage, while simply driving around town one day—and from that moment on, everything changed. They were married on November 22, 1969, in Sabula, and built a life together that most people only hope for. Side by side, they created a home, raised a big, beautiful family, and worked the land they loved. Dick was a true farmer in every sense of the word—raising grain, livestock, and a family grounded in love and hard work. Later in life he worked at Neumiller Farms as well as Kasbohm Custom Drilling.

He wasn’t always one for a lot of words, and to some, he could seem a little gruff. But the people who really knew him knew better. Beneath that tough exterior was the softest heart. He would do anything for anyone, never asking for recognition and never wanting the credit. His family was everything to him. He showed his love not just in words, but in the way he showed up—every day, without fail. He taught his kids what it meant to be loyal, to work hard, and to always take care of each other.

Some of the best memories with Dick were the simplest ones—family trips to Palisades State Park, picnics with KFC and root beer, laughter that came easy, and the comfort of just being together.

Dick was happiest when he was busy. He was rarely seen without his hat, always finding something to do—cutting wood (whether it needed it or not), working at the quarry with his son, or tending to his garden. He had a gift for growing things and took so much pride in it. His homemade horseradish, applesauce, and salsa were staples, and he loved sharing what he had—especially donating his vegetables to the local food pantry. He also grew flowers just for Kathy, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than sitting back and watching the hummingbirds they brought in.

Fourteen years ago, Dick took on what he considered the most important role of his life—caring full-time for his beloved Kathy. He did it with pride, devotion, and a love that never wavered. Losing her left a space in his heart that never quite healed, but there is peace in knowing they are finally back together again.

In his later years, Dick slowed down just enough to enjoy the people around him—stopping to visit, checking in on friends, “shooting the breeze,” and holding close the relationships that meant so much to him. But if there was one role he cherished above all else, it was being a grandfather. His grandkids were his pride and joy. He had a way of making each one feel seen, loved, and special—like they were his favorite, even though there were so many.

Dick’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so fiercely. He is survived by his ten children: Troy (Tammy) Schoenhaar, Bobbi (Duane) Ferguson, Chad (Amiee) Schoenhaar, Brandy (Roger) Johnson, Misty (Jerry Davis) Feary, Corey Schoenhaar, Ricky Schoenhaar, Keri (Leo) Brown, Jamie (Brett Wiersema) McCombie, and Amber Schoenhaar, all of Savanna; along with 27 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Kathy; his daughter, Terri; his grandsons, Devin Johnson and Donald Sipe; his parents, Paul and Emily; and his brothers, Jim and Carl.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at the funeral home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Saturday. He will be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery