Thief River Falls – Garry Schoon passed away Monday August 18, 2014 at his home, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 23 at Redeemer Lutheran church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Mark Helgeland and Rev. Ben Carlsen officiating. Interment was held at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
Garry James Schoon was born Oct. 1, 1949, in Wadena, the eighth child of Benjamin and Eileen Schoon of Sebeka. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Garry graduated from Sebeka Public Schools in 1968 and furthered his education at Staples Technical College in Heavy Equipment. He started with Northwestern Bell Telephone in 1970 and was a true telephone man, proud to have worked for the company and customers 38½ years through 3 name changes, but never changing his desk.
On May 10, 1975 Garry married Diane Wollin at Karlstad. They were blessed with two children, Brian and Elizabeth. Garry loved to be with people. He was a big, strong guy with a heart to match. Anytime he could help friends, neighbors or family with projects, he was proud to do so. Some of his many happy times were breakfast and bingo with friends, visiting at special friends’ homes for comfort and coffee, hunting with brothers, fishing with brothers-in-law, cribbage with siblings, taking trips with his wife and dancing with his favorite partner on Friday nights. Most of all, his number one happiness was playing with the three loves of his life, his grandsons.
His caring for young people led to years as a Boy Scout leader and youth church leader.
Garry is survived by his wife Diane of 39 years, his son Brian (Sheri) and daughter Elizabeth all of Thief River Falls; grandsons David, Randy, and Jeremy; Brothers Eugene (Donna) of Albertville, Ken (Marlys) Park Rapids, Elmer (Cheryl) Excelsior, Bernard (Lois) Sebeka; sisters Gaylene Rasmusson, Sebeka, Kathy (Alan) McGraw, Sebeka; sister-in-law, Hilda Mary Schoon, Sebeka; mother-in-law, Marjorie Wollin, Karlstad; brothers-in-law Donnie (Karen) Wollin, Elk River, and Ronnie (Julie) Wollin, Karlstad; sisters-in-law Sharon (Don) Asp of Colorado and Rochelle (Kent) Gronlund, Minneapolis; numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Benj and Eileen Schoon; brothers Alvin and Edwin; niece Gaylene; Father-in-law Willis (Willie) Wollin; Brother-in-law Louis (Louie) Rasmusson.
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