James Schoenberger

James “Jim” John Schoenberger, age 87, passed away Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, following a brief illness, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Albert and Louise Schoenberger on June 29th, 1937. Jim cherished growing up in the open spaces at the edge of town, amongst many friends with a large family, where he grew into an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gun and bow hunting/making, fishing and the “cabin life.” In addition, Jim’s sense of curiosity contributed to his love of learning. He delighted in literature particularly history, Native America culture, biography, the classics, and poetry (which he often recited); singing, listening to music, watching (and discussing) good movies. He was an avid sports fan following local, state, and national teams. He especially enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren. Well-known for his fish frys, Jim was a fantastic cook who loved entertaining and preparing tasty eats for family and friends. A charismatic personality, a proud man, Jim endeared himself to others. He made and nurtured many friendships throughout his life and was a well-loved friend, neighbor, and family member. Despite a spinal cord injury in 1999, this remarkable man continued to traverse life with gusto, finding his way through determination and grit, adopting the mantra “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% is how I react to it.” - Charles Swindoll - He lived every day to its fullest focusing on what he could do, rarely complaining, and always with dignity and style. He was an inspiration to those who knew him well and to those he met along the way. Of his many professional, recreational and personal accomplishments, Jim was supported by a family of whom he was exceedingly proud and loved deeply. He married his beautiful Joyce in September, 1975 in Fond du Lac where they made their home. Jim was blessed with three daughters and two step daughters; Kim Goldenfarb, Robin (Dan) Garcia, Beth (Carlos) Huerta all of Texas; Kathleen Bargenquast and Kolleen (Andre) Ozols of Fond du Lac. He is further survived by twelve beloved grandchildren Jessica (Josh) Delgado, Peter (Ximenna) Garcia, Brittany Garcia, Cindi (Giancarlo) Reyes, Lindsy (Omar) Salazar, Priscilla Villalobos, Carlos (Amanda) Huerta, Tony Bargenquast, Tim (Kelly) Bargenquast, Tyler (Chelsie) Bargenquast, Anja Ozols and Karlis Ozols, sixteen great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. Jim is also survived by his sisters, Mary (Glenn) Johnson (Arizona), Annette (Ken) Larie (Oshkosh), his brother Gary (Cheryl) (Pickett), and his sister-in-law Betty Schoenberger (Oshkosh) as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives (including special cousin, Dave Paulus), friends and neighbors. In addition to his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Dorothy and Joseph Johnson, brothers Donald, John and Thomas Schoenberger and son-in-law Wayne Bargenquast. The family would like to extend a special thanks to nurses Naomi, Jackie, and Olivia as well as Dr. Rathod who provided incredible compassion and tender care to the family during Jim’s illness and passing. Jim, you have left us with memories, laughs, wisdom, advice, encouragement, experiences beyond measure. “Blessings on thee, little man, barefoot boy with cheek of tan”-John Greenleaf Whittier. You will be with us always. VISITATION: Friends may call from 9:30 – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM following visitation. Memorials will be made to Jim’s favorite charities.

James Schoenberger

June 29, 1937 - April 2, 2025