Mr. Schoonmaker was my favorite teacher and coach. He was the main inspiration for me pursuing the teaching profession. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family. David Ponceby, Fort Collins, CO

Kathy,
I am saddened at your loss and a the great loss felt by all who knew him. You will be in my prayers.

Dear Kathy,

We were so sorry to hear about George's passing.  We are here for you in your time of need.  Bud was a great friend and we miss our dinner outings with the both of you.  Call us if you need anything. We are always thinking and praying for you.

Love,
Dave & Marilyn 
Wagner

Mrs. Schoonmaker,
We were saddened to learn of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Randy I'm very sorry to hear the news of your brother I know you'll miss him.  May he rest in peace,prays will be said for him(George). Ray Kruzel

Mrs. Schoonmaker,
We were saddened to learn of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Mr. Schoonmaker you were a great Teacher, and I enjoyed my Government class (Class of '92').  Even though I did imitate you alot while I was a student, it was only because I liked you.  Thanks for helping make kids lives better, including mine.  "Nuts and Bolts" Schoonie.  Rest in Peace.

Kathy, We are shocked to learn of Schoonie's passing. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We are always available for you if you need anything.

Kathy, I only met you briefly, through last year's election, etc., and was really encouraged by George's enthusiasm and compasion for the cause of the "waste district" and with me running for trustee.  I am thinking of you and yours.  Take care. 
Cheri Carpenter Garvin

Schoonie was definitely one of a kind! :) I will never forget a class project he had us "sheltered" AW kids do in our senior government class. We had to perform a scavenger hunt in teams and he had us driving all over the Toledo area, collecting items to bring back to class, ranging from a pizza box from the great (ORIGINAL) Gino's on Monroe, to a picture taken in front of the Willis Boyer. It really encouraged us to expand our horizons and see that there IS life outside the sleepy little villages of Whitehouse and Waterville! I will always remember that assignment!

Kathy,

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of George.  Coaching with him at Tri-State was an awesome experience.  At the time, I was a young coach and learned a great deal from George about coaching and how to have relationships with your players.  He was a great man and had a tremendous influence on the players he coached at TSU.  I will always remember our win at St. Francis in 2001 and the "DEA" motto for the week that Schoondog came up with.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I, too, was a student of Mr. Schoonmaker (AW class of 1975), and I'm sorry to read of his passing.  As a coach and a teacher, he had a positive influence on many.  My prayers are with his family.

Rest in Peace Coach Schoonie.  You were a great role model and an awesome teacher!

You were such a great teacher...so passionate & real!  I will always give kudos to you whenever I get Jeopardy answers right about Chappaquiddick! And I thank you for never turning me in for um maybe missing a few 1st period classes:)  My thoughts & prayers are with your family, you will be missed & remembered fondly.

Shannon Bublick
AW'94

Kathy:

I was so sad to her that Schoon had passed. He kept football in perspective for me during those years at Tri-State. His wisdom was invaluable to me. I enjoyed those 4 years with him so much and his memory is always with me.

I know he loved you so much and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time.

Dale Carlson

I was only around "Cousin Bud", as Terry calls him, a couple of times -- at the family Christmas gatherings held at Aunt Sal's home.  He was so welcoming and gracious to me, and we had excellent conversations about some of the current events in the country.  I liked him, and I'll miss him at future gatherings.  A lot.

I also had Mr. Schoonmaker for Government class in 1984. He helped to form how we viewed our world and challenged us to take our citizenship and civic duties seriously. It was his teaching that influenced me to join the Army, where I spent 10 years. May God give you what He knows you need as you walk this journey.

Kathy, friends and family,
From the day I transferred to DeVeaux in third grade and met Schoon we have been friends. Champ, Scotty, Sudd, Rankin, Wilkins, Donaldson, Mullen, Munn, Suzi, Cindy, Polly, Cheryl,and all of us were blessed with not one friend in this life but several that will go beyond this life! The Y dances, Cliff Clarke's, The White Hut, Waldon Pond, Donaldson's Basement, Wilkin's Backyard and the endless summers behind DeVeaux is who we all are at the end of the day! Love Has no Boundries! I love you Schoon, Tiger Tough and Go Buck's! May God bless you all!
John Thompson

Dearest Schoonmaker family;
Coach was such a fun teacher.  I had him my senior year for Civics class.  He was always encouraging us to speak up when we had an opinion regarding our government.  He was very supportive of students becoming engaged in the political process.  That was during the Reagan/Carter era.  Our senior class was way back in 1977, and I can remember many pranks being pulled to garner the coaches bemusement, laughter, and once in a while, his ire....He was a wonderful coach and teacher and his influence upon students at Anthony Wayne High School will be felt for generations to come.  I am so sorry for your loss now.  Our prayers will be will you as we remember what a caring man your husband and father was to so many.  Kind regards;  Desiree Sautter-Ray

Schoon, I did put my fist through the wall at Upton's cottage! I loved our times growing up together, The White Hut, Waldon Pond, Cliff Clarke's Summer Dances, The Y Dances, all the times together at Beak's, The blue lights in Donaldson's basement, playing shoes, teather ball, baseball, vollyball and Harts behind DeVeaux School! Nobody has ever had a better childhood or group of friends than we do, (THE GANG) I have loved you in this life as I will in the next! LOVE HAS NO BOUNDRIES! Your friend, John Thompson Tiger Tough!!!!

Mrs.Schoonmaker and family, Iam so sorry for your loss. Mr.Schoonmaker was my Government teacher in 1986-the year the space shuttle blew up, but that before that in class, he told us he would be watching it and anyone who wanted to see it,  could stay in the room and watch. We all watched it together and I guess it was best to be in his room when that tragic moment happened. We all talked about it right away. Thanks to your family for sharing your husband and dad. My dad was also a teacher for 40 years and I hope there are fond memories of him carried on as we will with our Schoonie! Jennifer Deppen-Patay

Bud was a great and kind gentleman. Always polite, sensitive, and dependable. When times were tough, he still had  sense of humor. I enjoyed very much working with Bud over the years. He'll always be a DeVilbiss legend. Jeff Lydy

Kathy, you and Schoonie became part of our family 3 years ago when your daughter married our son. But your story became part of our hearts as we witnessed your devotion and love for each other. May God keep you both in the palm of His Hand now and forever. Becky and Frank

Our deepest sympathy to all of Bud’s family and friends.  What a great man he was.  Please find comfort in knowing that we and so many others are praying for you during this difficult time.  Bud is pain free now.  May he rest in peace.  God bless you all.

Marilyn and Mike Burke

What a great guy! Coach Schoon was my Defensive Line coach at Tri-State (Trine) University during an incredible season for us in 2000. He was a fun guy who knew how to push players but also how to have a good time.  He loved a great dinner too by the way! I remember he ate almost as much as us at the dinner table! Good influence on me as a person, his sense of humor and his love for life will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Mr. Schoonmaker will truly be a legacy at AW. I didn't have the pleasure of having him but know many people who did and heard great stories about him..in the classroom and on the field. May he rest in peace and be your guardian angel.

Kathy,
We are so sorry to hear about Schoonie, Brock and I both had him in school and loved it.  We was a wonderful Teacher. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all, Much Love,
Brock and Shannon Hertzfeld

Kathy, Sweet memories of you and George during the Tri-State years.  I know Dale counted George as an invaluable part of the team's success.  May God grant you the gift of peace.  Karen Carlson

August 31, 2011 
Bud was one of those special kids that I was priviledged to hang out with at the West Toledo Y from its opening in 1954, and through high school. I last saw him at an "all school reunion" where he handed me a "Cake Eaters" T-Shirt. I think of him every time I put it on. I've only seen him a couple times in the last 40 years, but I'll still miss him.

Kathy- today I am reminded of a Bible verse I had to memorize as a child  "Where two or more are gathered in MY name, there I am in the midst of them" The verse pertains to our Lord, but I like to apply it to the spirit of loved ones passed. When we remember someone together they are never  lost to us. I hope you are bouyed by these lovely tributes and find comfort in the love of family & friends.
love,
cousin Kathe

Kathy, George was a great man and an even better friend. Schoondog was a joy to work with at Tri-state and even more fun to have a coaches pop with on a Sat night at the 101 Lounge. In these trying times, I hope you take comfort in knowing that his love for you is with him for all eternity.

Cherish your memories, Kathy.  You're in our prayers.

Mr. Schoonmaker was my Government teacher in 1972. Many years have gone by, but I remember him well. He gave A's to everyone who registered to vote. R.I.P.

Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Schoonie's memory lives on fondly for many, including this AW grad.  May you be comforted by memories of the love you shared.
Cindy Albaugh Celusta

Kathy, Our family will miss Uncle Bud dearly. Some of our most cherished memories were spent with the two of you at your home. He was a beautiful person with a tender soul. Love and Blessings to you and your family.

Kathy & Family,
 Raj and I surround you with our love, hold you tight to our hearts and pray for Schoonie's sweet presence to bring you peace. Schoonie's love for you poured from his very soul as he looked at you. You were his All. Love is all that is real and true and eternal. Love does not pass away. We love you.

Bud was one of those special kids that I was priviledged to hang out with at the West Toledo Y from its opening in 1954, and through high school. I last saw him at an "all school reunion" where he handed me a "Cake Eaters" T-Shirt.  I think of him every time I put it on.  I've only seen him a couple times in the last 40 years, but I'll still miss him.

- Tom Willoughby, Oviedo, Florida

He was the best government teacher and I learned alot from him and always remember erasers flying across the room hitting the occasional snoozer. Thoughts and prayers to your family. From one of his students at AW Class of 88'. There was no one like him he was one of a kind!!!!

I had him as a teacher in 82. Known for throwing chalkboard erasers to those who fell asleep.. Lol. Rip schoonie

Kathy, We express our sympathy at the loss of Schoonie. We don't always understand why things happen as they do, have faith that, God will give you the answers.  Ron and Pat Richards

Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about George.  I only knew him from DeVilbiss.  I was in the class of "64". He was always really nice to us underclassmen. My deepest sympathies to you and the family.
Bill Shaw

Dear Kathy,
Your Bud was the dearest man ever. From kindergarten through high school we were friends and neighbors, and I loved him dearly. God bless you and your family. I know you all were the greatest part of Bud's life. 
Love, Cindy Boyd Miller

I HAD MR SCHOONMAKER AS MY GOVT TEACHER MY SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL IN 1977.  HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER.  GOD BLESS HIM AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

Kathy, I can't begin to express my sorrow.  Rely on the love and support of your family and friends to carry you through.

What a great mind, and what a great teacher.   I had the pleasure of having Mr. Schoonmaker in my senior year at AW ('86).   I remember him as being the teacher with a tough hand; but now in my adult years and having the pleasure of working at a school, I now know that tough hand was only tough love for his students and his craft.   You will always be one of my favorites.  Hang out with Elvis and RIP, Schoonie!

Holly Kronk
AW Class of '86

To the entire family,  

Ron and I want to express our deepest and heart felt sympathy for the loss of Schoonie.  I will always have memories of his commanding presence yet as I knew him I will also remember him as having a soft heart underneath that rough exterior.  

I hope that you will be able to find great comfort in reflecting on the days you had with Schoonie prior to his passing. I know that he was by the love of his life, his bride, and in a home that brought him peace and comfort in his last days.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.  

Our love and prayers are with you, 

Ron and Katie Heinold

Kathy,
You have been and will be in my prayers.  The love that you shared will be long remembered.  I want you to know that I am here for you.  I am praying that God will help you and strengthen you as you mourn the loss of Schoonie.  We are grieving with you.  We love you!
Amy Gelsone

RIP Mr. Schoonmaker! You were an awesome teacher!  If it weren't for your class I probably would have never made it to 1st period my Senior year!

OBITUARY

George Nelson Schoonmaker, III

January 11, 1945 – August 30, 2011

Beams Funeral Home

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