Norval Dean Schoenhals

Dean spent his childhood on a wheat farm between the towns of Shattuck and Gage, OK. His first language was German—he didn’t learn English until he attended the country school. He helped his dad with farming, as they endured the dust bowl and depression days. He and his family survived the deadly Woodward tornado in 1947 that destroyed their home and belongings. In his teens, Dean witnessed the advent of electricity and indoor plumbing. He was confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Woodward. He was class president and graduated from Gage High School in 1952.

Dean attended and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1957 with a degree in geological engineering. Then he moved to Denver to begin his first job with Kerr McGee. Dean met Darline “Debbie” Berges at church in February 1958, and married her two months later at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Three children were born in Denver before they relocated to New Orleans, where their last child was born. A year later they moved to Casper, WY and finally settled in Aurora, CO where they lived until their deaths. Dean worked mainly in the areas of oil, coal, uranium and natural gas exploration. After he retired, Dean worked part time for the EPA. Hobbies and activities included: gun collecting and marksmanship, history, reading, attending and serving in various capacities at Hope and Mt. Olive Lutheran Churches in Aurora and in his homeowners association. But the activity that brought him great joy was spending time with his eight grandchildren.

Dean was a soft spoken, wise and intelligent man. In his last years he enjoyed spending time with his wife Debbie and having conversation over of good cup of coffee.

Dean was preceded in death by Debbie (1934-2020), the love of his life, and his parents. Dean leaves behind his children: Kristi Aberle (Tom), Rick Schoenhals (Dirk Wold), David Schoenhals (Carrie) and Kathy Frantz (Brian); a brother, Floyd (Betty); his grandchildren: Jeff Aberle, Lauren Aberle Brown (Thomas), Katelyn Aberle, Allison Frantz Alderman (Ben), Samantha Schoenhals, Jana Frantz, Natalie Schoenhals, and Blake Frantz; his great grandchildren: Owen and Nora Brown, as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces.

A private graveside service will take place at Olinger East Lawn in Aurora on April 20. A celebration of life service for both Dean and his wife, Debbie will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland on Saturday, April 23 at 11am. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Lutheran Hour or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Schoenhals family.