Allen Donald Schornack

Allen “Al” Donald Schornack, 94, of West Des Moines passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, following a brief illness. Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5-7 pm at McLarens Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, with a social time afterward. Memorial contributions may be made to Windsor Heights Lutheran Church or the South Dakota FFA Chapter in Bath, South Dakota in honor of Al.

Allen Donald Schornack was born April 6, 1931, in Groton, South Dakota, to George and Olga (Senne) Schornack. He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Groton. Raised on the family farm, Al developed a strong work ethic, a lifelong love of agriculture, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

He attended Thompson Rural School, graduated from Groton High School in 1949, and earned a degree in Agronomy from South Dakota State University in 1953. Al was a natural leader and athlete throughout high school and college, serving as class and student body president, earning the State Farmer Award through FFA, and proudly belonging to Alpha Zeta Fraternity.

After college, Al began a 38-year career with DuPont in the agricultural chemicals division, retiring in 1990. His work took he and his family across the Midwest, including Ohio, Denver, Omaha, Illinois, and Des Moines. Al was deeply passionate about his career and proud to contribute to healthier crops and safer food through the responsible use of agricultural chemicals.

On June 15, 1952, Al married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Miller, at the Methodist Church in Groton. Together they built a life rooted in faith, devotion to family and friends, love for their church home at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, adventure, travel, laughter, and fun.

An avid outdoorsman, Al loved hunting, fishing, and sports. Attending the Drake Relays with his family became a treasured tradition for more than 50 years, rain or shine. His South Dakota roots ran deep, and he cherished time at the family cabin at Enemy Swim Lake. Al inspired his family to love the outdoors as much as he did, spending countless hours fishing, hunting, and water skiing with them.

In 2015, Al and Marilyn moved to The Elite Lodge of Ashworth, where they quickly found community and friendship. Al thrived on cards, pool, lively conversation, and never missing an opportunity for connection or fun.

Al was known for his outgoing personality, quick wit, and love of storytelling. He never met a stranger, never wanted a party to end, and always believed there was time for one more game. For years, he jokingly boasted that he received a compliment at age 60 that he had “the body of a fine-tuned athlete”. He possessed a legendary South Dakota slop shot that made him a formidable pool player, and he was the best hunting shot in SD…. just ask him!

Above all, Al was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was our cheerleader, comedian, companion, and joy for 94 years.

Al is survived by his children Marcy Lourens, Jan (Dave) Rothrock, and Kent (Nancy) Schornack; eight grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, son-in-law Gerry Lourens, his parents, and siblings.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Walnut Ridge Skilled Care and Hospice of the Midwest for their compassionate care during his illness.