Douglas Schoenike
Douglas Schoenike, 51, of Eau Claire cashed in his ‘ticket to ride’ and went peacefully to his heavenly home in the early morning on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at his home, surrounded by family.
Doug was born on Sept. 17, 1964, in Monroe, to Paul and Jean (Wuerch) Schoenike. Throughout his childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, Doug was an avid hockey player, class clown, marching band participant and all around goof ball. Doug graduated from Monroe High School in 1983 and pursued a computer science degree at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, which he completed in 1988.
On April 16, 1988, Doug married Jodie Pelke, at Sacred Heart Parish in Mondovi, and resided in Dodgeville, Wis. for 10 years, where Doug was employed at Lands’ End in Human Resources. In 1998, a career change for Doug led him to Shamrock Foods in Phoenix, Ariz. He worked in the distribution center for three years before he realized that cheering for the Packers in Cardinal country was a losing battle. In 2001, Doug and his family returned to the Eau Claire area and began to build their forever home.
One of the first things Doug became involved with was the Altoona Fire Department. Living out his childhood dream, he was able to form a brotherhood like no other. Another thing Doug was so proud to be a member of was the Contemporary Worship Team at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. No one will be able to bang on a bongo drum with quite the same pizazz.
Doug enjoyed camping with family, having bonfires, riding his motorcycle, and chasing trains. He was an avid Lionel model train and Hotwheel car collector, which he loved to display in community train shows. He was always on the hunt for the next bargain ‘special’ buy, and always quick to point out a “Dug Nugget.” These words do far too little to describe the zest for life Doug had and encouraged in others. He left us with countless wonderful memories that will be cherished and shared forever.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jodie; daughters, Keisha (Michael) Rust, Andrea, Alaina; son, Kyle; his parents, Paul and Jean Schoenike of Monroe; sister, Paula Schoenike of Madison; mother-in-law, Jane Pelke (Dennis Kessenich) of Mondovi; sisters-in-law, Dawn (Doug) Ede of Marshfield, Jessica (Brad) Vollmer of Mondovi; brother-in-law, David (Lori) Pelke of Gilmanton; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews; his dog Emma; loving friends.
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Glen Pelke; uncle, Bruce Roblee; aunt, Karen Wuerch; niece, Becca Ede; his maternal and paternal grandparents.
The family would like to extend utmost gratitude to the Oncology Department at Sacred Heart Hospital, and the Cancer Center at Marshfield Clinic for the wonderful care and special relationships that helped Doug during his fight with cancer.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 1, at the Lutheran Church of St. Matthew, 1915 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire, with Pastor Steve Rutter officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., on Sunday, July 31, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the services on Monday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire.
For online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com.
