Gary E. Schonert

Gary Enger Schonert, of Caledonia, WI, passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 84. Gary was born on January 7, 1941, in Morris, IL. He graduated from Horlick High School in 1959. It was there that he met Sharon DenHartigh—where he famously got Sharon in trouble by smoking in her house. Gary married Sharon on May 26, 1990. Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Schonert (DenHartigh); his children, Donald (Annette) Anderson Jr., Cheryl Anderson, Christopher (Virginia) Anderson; his grandchildren, Joel Anderson, Kailin (Benjamin) Virden, Kyleigh Anderson, and Nicholas Anderson, Jacob (Tarah) McBride, Hannah Morin, Nathan (Annette) McBride; and his great-grandchildren, Lillie Morin, Patrick Morin, Joshua Morin, Isaac Morin, Zoey Virden, and Arya Virden. He is also survived by his brothers, Lee (Gail) Schonert, and John (Cheryl) Schonert; his nieces and nephews, Steven (Trina) Schonert, Margene (Ron) Wilson, Trina (Tory) Prudhomme, Barry (Joan) Schonert, Andrew Schonert; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends. Throughout his career, Gary worked at American Skein Foundry, Johnson Wax, Racine Plating, Acme Die Casting, and Personnel Inc. He also ran Schonert’s Inc., a sports tavern, with his brother John for 15 years. Schonert’s was the go-to place back in the day. Gary retired in 2009 and worked post-retirement at O&H Bakery. Gary was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, the Alumni House, and the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, golfing, watching sports as a diehard Bears and Cubs fan, watching Hallmark movies with Sharon, taking vacations, walking the dogs, and keeping his yard looking amazing. As a passionate Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, Gary proudly flew a “W” flag on his garage or raised a Bears or Cubs flag on his flagpole after a win. To honor his love for his teams, the family respectfully requests that no Packers clothing be worn at his service. Bears and Cubs clothing is welcome. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Marjorie (Enger) Schonert; his in-laws, Geraldine (Warner) and George Kapluck; his sisters-in-law, LaDonna Schonert and Carol Geisler; and his daughter-in-law, Pamela (Brow) Anderson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Racine’s Veterans Outreach, the Community Meal Program, or the charity of your choice. Services will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Thursday, December 18, 2025 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, followed by a 12:00 p.m. service. On Monday, December 22, 10 a.m., the family will meet at the West Lawn Memorial Park for prayer, after which Gary will be laid to rest. All are welcome to join.

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Gary E. Schonert

January 7, 1941 - December 13, 2025