Wilbert Augost Schoenrath

  It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Wilbert Augost Schoenrath, 80, our husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who passed away after a fierce but brief battle with cancer on October 21, 2023, at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

 Wilbert was born in Swan River, Manitoba, on July 2, 1943, to German Immigrants, Kate and Henry Schoenrath. He attended school and received his High School Diploma in Swan River while helping with the family farm. Wilbert and Karen (Jones) were married in the Jones family living room in 1960 and were rarely apart for the remainder of Wilbert’s life. Together the two would travel the world, visiting countries and making memories before finally settling down in Mission, Texas, to spend their winters.

 Wilbert’s career began with an apprenticeship opportunity working for Valley Plumbing & Heating and continued for 7 years. This opportunity with the Trevelyan’s was the cornerstone for Wilbert’s career and also made for lifelong friendships. For the next 29 years, Wilbert worked for the Swan Valley School Division as Maintenance Supervisor. As well as a full-time career, Wilbert also farmed the family farm. He retired from the Swan Valley School Division in 1998 and retired from farming, somewhat, approximately 5 years ago, when his son Bruce took over the reins.

 Wilbert was a member of the Covenant Church and he and Karen took special pride in being involved with their church and their community. Wilbert was a long-time member of BPO Elks Lodge, Legion, Swan River Men’s Curling Club and volunteered for 14 years with Children’s Haven in Mission, Texas and Reynosa, Mexico. Wilbert loved the outdoors, cheering on his local sports teams, and spending time with his family. He will be particularly remembered for his strength of character, his generosity of spirit, and his beautiful singing voice, which he was not shy to share with his loved ones.

Wilbert is predeceased by his parents Kate and Henry Schoenrath, brother Henry Schoenrath, and his sisters, Lil Middleton, Hetty Pawlinsky, and Erna Betcher. He leaves behind to mourn his wife of 62 years, Karen Schoenrath, and his children Bruce (Marci) and Tammy (Robert), his three grandchildren, Lyndon (Gabrielle), Brent, and Alison, and many, many other friends and family members.

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