Berny Schoenborn, 86, Minot died on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in a Minot hospital from complications related to a heart attack which occurred one week earlier.
Bernhart Gerald Schoenborn was born on November 6, 1937 in Rugby, ND to Emil and Adolphine (Degner) Schoenborn. He was raised on a farm near Willow City prior to the family moving into Willow City where Berny attended school. He graduated from Willow City High School in 1955 and attended the North Dakota State School of Forestry prior to entering the United States Air Force on October 2, 1958. He received his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, TX and was stationed in Scotland, Keesler AFB near Biloxi, MS and Hill AFB near Roy, Utah prior to his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant on November 8, 1966. He received the following awards: USAF Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, USAF Outstanding Unit Award and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
Berny married LaVonne on December 15, 1964 at the First Lutheran Church Parsonage in Willow City. They made their home in Roy, Utah prior to Berny’s discharge when they moved to Minot. As a resident of Minot, Berny was employed as a civil service worker at the Minot Radar Site, south of Minot. Later, he was employed as the property disposal officer/manager under the auspices of the Civil Service at Minot Air Force Base.
In 1968, Berny became licensed as a realtor/broker for Ask Realty and later Coldwell Banker Realty. Then, he became a certified real estate appraiser and established Schoenborn Appraisal Service with his son: Chad. At the time of his death, Berny was still assisting his grandson, Matthew, with the operation of the family business.
Berny was a member of Christ Lutheran Church – Minot and a former member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles Aerie, Moose Lodge, American Legion and Minot Hockey Boosters. He especially enjoyed lake time with family and friends, family gatherings and sports especially hockey.
Berny’s loving family includes his wife of 57 years Vonnie; daughter: Candyce (Billy) Johnson of Minot; grandchildren: Josh Sattler, Breanne Sattler, Alex Schoenborn, Matthew Schoenborn and Lucas Schoenborn; great grandchildren: Isaac and Isabella Sattler; brother: Erick “Buck” Schoenborn; sisters-in-law: Lylis Schoenborn, Blenda Geiszler (Gary) and Sue Danielson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Berny was preceded in death by his parents, son: Chad and siblings: Art, Reiny, Bob, Ernie “Butch” and Lila.
Celebration of the Life of Berny Schoenborn: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church – Minot. A livestream may be viewed by accessing (Link to be determined).
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park – Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.
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