Walter Carl Schoen
After a remarkably long and full life, Walter Carl Schoen 96, of Eagle ID, passed away on March 4, 2024.
Walt was the 2ND of five born to German immigrants, Herman and Louise (Hesser) Schoen on August 18, 1927, in Minnewaulkan, North Dakota. The young family later moved to the Mini-Cassia area in the 1930’s to join extended family and to farm.
Walt joined the military after graduating from Rupert High School, but returned home soon after Boot Camp to take over the family farm and support his mother and siblings following the sudden death of their father.
Walt immersed himself in farming and supporting his community. He belonged to the Trail Riders Association, the Minidoka Historical Society, the Antique Tractor’s Association, Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert, and many other social and civic organizations over the years.
Walt married Louise Charles on June 5th, 1965, and they welcomed their daughter Mechelle in 1967. The family farmed in Paul for many years, growing sugar beets, grain and hay. In 2010, Walt and Louise decided to move to Star, Idaho, to be closer to their daughter and her family. In particular, they wanted to live close to, and enjoy every moment they could of their grandsons’ lives.
Following Louise’s passing in 2020, Walt moved in with his daughter and her family in Eagle, Idaho. Walt quickly became a fixture at both Eagle and Star Senior Centers, where he quickly made valued friends. Walt also enjoyed walks in his Eagle neighborhood, and chatting with neighbors.
Walt was a skilled wood turner, and gifted many handmade pens, bowls, and wine-stoppers to family and friends. Walt was known for restoring antique tractors, and loved participating in tractor-pulls and parades where he could showcase his most prized tractors. He was additionally a voracious reader and life-long learner, reading many books about the Northwest, World War II, etc. He only read non-fiction, saying he didn’t have time for fiction, since there was so much in life to still learn about.
Walt is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Louise Schoen, his sisters, Ester (Jess Enebo), Doris (Glover) and Betty (Jamison), and his wife, Louise (Charles) Schoen. Walt leaves behind his daughter, Mechelle (Chris Wilson) and his 2 grandsons, Joshua and Jonah Wilson. Walt is also survived by his brother, Norman (Helen) Schoen.
We want to thank Keystone Hospice for their care and support during Walt’s final months, the staff at Avista Senior Living, and Amanda Draper, NP, for being such an amazing provider and cheerleader for both Walt and Louise over the years.
For family and friends in the Boise and Star area, there will be a Celebration of a Life Well-Lived for Walt on May 3, 2:00 PM at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Drive in Garden City, and for family and friends in the Rupert and Paul area, there will be a Celebration of Life for Walt on May 6, 11:00 AM at the Minidoka County Historical Society Museum, 99 E . Baseline Rd. in Rupert.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.