Patrick "Pat" Schoen

Patrick "Pat" Schoen, 85, of Duluth, passed away Friday, September 9, 2016 at Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center. Pat was born to Harold and Lois (Howey) Schoen in Superior on January 1, 1931 and was declared the official New Year's baby for both Duluth and Superior for that year.  He was married to Arlyne (Koski) Schoen, and then to Marlene (Hemmerling) Schoen until her death in 1999.  He shared the last 17 years of his life with his special companion, Kay VanRossen.  He attended schools in Duluth and at age 17, got a berth on the Kendrick as a coal-passer sailing on the Great Lakes.  In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War Conflict on the U.S.S. Rendova. After his military service, he started working for the Duluth News Tribune as a Stereotyper and served in a number of other positions at the newspaper until 1985.  At age 55, he enrolled in college classes at the University of Wisconsin, Superior and Mesabi Community College and received an Associate's Degree in Human Services & Chemical Dependency in 1989. He served as a Corrections Counselor at Northeast Regional Corrections Center from 1988 until his retirement in 1996. Pat was a member of Men as Peacemakers, Lake Avenue Loafers, and the American Legion.  Pat served as a volunteer chemical dependency counselor at the St. Louis County Jail for over 25 years.  He was recognized as volunteer of the year by St. Louis County in 2006.  He was also recognized for his volunteer work by the Minnesota Sheriff's Association in 2001. He enjoyed the company of his dachshunds over the years and the time he spent at the lake. He was proceeded in death by his parents; and his spouse, Marlene.  He is survived by Kay VanRossen; children, Kenton (Gwen) Schoen, Kristyn (Neil) McCormack, Patrick (Beth) Schoen, Rick (Kathy) Gottschald, Tom (Tina) Gottschald, and Jim (Stephanie) Gottschald; sister, Mary Lois Benjamin; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and a niece.  He is also survived by Kay's children, Candice (Gil) Gamst, Gary (MaryJo) Lepisto, Tom (Leslie) Lepisto, Dan (Jill) Lepisto); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation: 1:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Sunrise Funeral Home Cemetery, 4798 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown.

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