Howard "Putter" Schoenherr

Howard G. "Putter" Schoenherr, age 79 of Sanford, died early Monday, September 17, 2012, at his home surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

The son of the late Gerald and Elizabeth (Wolf) Schoenherr was born December 27, 1932 in Centerline, Michigan where he was raised and educated. Howard served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On January 21, 1956 he married the former Barbara Shevela in Centerline. They moved to Sanford in 1973 to revitalize a local landmark, which he eventually called the Sanford Lake Bar and Grill. They also owned and operated West River Road Self Storage. Howard retired from the Operating Engineers Local 324 in 1992. He was past president of the Sanford Historical Society, had served as the Jerome Township Supervisor for eight years, and was currently a Midland County Commissioner for district #1. Howard was an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #8043.
He was a great family man who accomplished so much in life.

He was most at peace when physically active; exercising, competing in races, and riding his bicycle. It was common to see Howard walking or bicycling along West River Road or the rail trail. He was also a regular participant on the 5-day Dal Mac and the Michigander bicycle trips across Michigan.

Howard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara (Shevela); sons, Scott (Carol) Schoenherr of Boise, Idaho, Steve (Beth) Schoenherr of Auburn; daughters, Shelley (Al) Narverud of Fair Haven, Shawn Schoenherr of Chesterfield, Sharlyn (Dick) Corbat of Sanford; seventeen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren.

The Funeral Liturgy will be conducted at 11:00 am, Friday, September 21, 2012 from St. Agnes Catholic Church in Sanford with the Reverend Father Dan Fox, OFM, Cap. officiating.
Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6-8 pm and on Thursday from 2-8 pm where a Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00 pm. He will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass.
Military Rites will be conducted under the auspices of the Midland Area Veterans and the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Guard.
Donations in Howard's memory may be offered to St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sanford Historical Society or the Friends of the Rail Trail.
Personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com