Jeffrey J. Schoen

Jeffrey Jerome Schoen, 64, of La Crosse, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 30, 2020, surrounded by his family.

Jeff was born in La Crosse on December 9, 1955, to Hilary “Larry” and Faye (Medinger) Schoen.  He was a 1975 graduate of La Crosse Central High School where he was on the football team as well as the track team and the wrestling team.  He attended UWL and Milwaukee Area Technical College for photography.

On December 23, 1994, Jeff married Toni Ann (Butterfield) in La Crosse.  Toni preceded Jeff in death on May 26, 2019.

Jeff joined the Army National Guard and took advanced training as a combat engineer.  He served in the La Crosse unit with the 32nd Engineers for 22 years.  He was deployed to Iraq in 2006 with the field artillery as a convoy escort and did route security, even serving as security for his brother's unit.

Jeff worked at G. Heileman Brewery, Northern Engraving and Auto Zone., and spent time as the photographer for the Warriors Baton & Drum Corps.  He really enjoyed going to the La Crosse Loggers games with his wife, as well as going fishing and hunting.  He was also a member of American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Faye Schoen of La Crosse; his siblings, Donna Ruud of La Crosse, Michael Schoen of La Crosse, Mary Jo (Jeff) Suhr of Columbus, Ohio, Rita Shufelt of Mesa, Ariz., and Rachel (Troy) Oestreich of Eau Claire; step-children, Terri (Chris) Stagman of Rio Rancho, N. Mex., and Eric Faas of Onalaska; step-grandchildren, Austin Colburn and Matthew Stagman; step-great grandchild, Zedlyn Colburn; his father-in-law, Tony Butterfield of La Crosse; numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.

In addition to his wife, Toni, Jeff was also preceded in death by his father, Larry; brother, Bruce; paternal grandparents, John and Lillian Schoen, and maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Clara Medinger; a brother-in-law, Donald Ruud; and several extended family members.

Private graveside services, with military honors, will take place at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 15 ^th , at Oak Grove Cemetery.  A celebration of Jeff’s life will follow at the American Legion Post 52 in La Crosse beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until 4:00 p.m.  Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers and will be donated in Jeff's memory.