Dale Schoenhard

In 1933, on the bright crisp morning of March 26, a second son was born to rancher Frederick schoenhard and his wife Ruth (Ellingson) in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Dale Delano Schoenhard was destined for great things from very early on, whether it be raising and showing their prize winning Hereford Cattle with his brother Dean, to becoming a bronc rider and following the rodeo circuit. His sense of adventure continued as he became involved in the mechanical field where he held work on and later ride an Indian Motorcycle at over 100 mph. He was a rebel from early on, owning the first Harley in the area, on which, he greatly enjoyed out running the local authorities.

Then, as all great storied begin and end, he met a girl: from Shakopee, Minnesota, the love of his life, his best friend and wife of over 60 years, Geraldine Hirscher (later known as Gerrie Schoenhard). The pair dated for many years, corresponding through letters during his service in the US Navy and finally married October 1, 1955.

After his dad passed away, Dale went back to working the family ranch in Steele, North Dakota and had a son of his own, which they named Frederick. He later attended college at North Dakota State School of Science before moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 1959, a city they would call home the remainder of their years together- though they traveled many miles in their RV, particularly each winter after Dale’s retirement. Here they were blessed with another child, this time a daughter, Suzanne (Sue).

In CDA, Dale worked for his friend Jack at Crollard Ford where he stayed until starting his own business Wheels Inc. There he sold and repaired Kawasaki Motorcycles and Polaris Snowmobiles and became very proficient at building race engines- with which he and his son won many races over years. Following the sale of his shop, he became a professional truck driver and a member of the Teamsters Union Local 690.

After his retirement in 1998, he continued to enjoy restoring cars, all mechanical and wood work, and really anything that was a challenge. His projects included refurbishing a Silver Eagle Bus to a motor home, repairing and restoring his a Fred’s 1951 Ford, and a 1955 Lincoln, among numerous others. Dale and Gerrie traveled extensively every winter; met many great friends and fellow RV enthusiasts from across the country, saw many beautiful sights and enjoyed many great adventures together.

Dale had many memorable quotes or Dale-isms as his family called them; most fitting would be “It’s better to wear out than to rust.” A motto that his loved ones will remember and cherish as well as our many memories of this much loved man.

It is with heavy heart that I share with you the sudden and unexpected end to his journey. On August 3, 2016 at age 83, the couple were involved in a fatal car accident in Cranbrook, BC, Canada.

Survivors include hnis wife, Gerrie Schoenhard, son and daughter-in-law, Frederick and Janet Schoenhard of Spokane, Washington, daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Larry Garrett of Salmo BC, Canada, six grandchildren: Jessica (Shawn) Montague, Kelli Zastera, Darcy Dodgson, Corey Garrett, Nicholas (Stephanie_ Garrett, and Kaitlin Garrett, three great-grandchildren: Wyatt Dodgson, Xander Montague and Grayson Montague. He has 8 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Ruth Schoenhard, and his brother Dean Schoenhard.

Dale, you are truly and deeply missed.