Franz Adolf Schoennagel

Franz passed away on August 18, 2019. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 22, 1934, the eldest of two children to Franz and Helene Schoennagel. His sister, Elisabeth, preceded him in death. He graduated from Proviso East High School in 1951 and continued on to The University of Illinois-Navy Pier. After he completed his freshman year, he transferred to Northwestern University where he earned a BS in Geology. He was accepted to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) where he was awarded a Master of Science in Geology in 1956. Shortly after graduating from Caltech, he married his childhood sweetheart, Marie Anne Boesch. They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 23rd.

Franz and Marie Anne immediately moved to Roswell, New Mexico to begin his career at Shell Oil Company. He enjoyed 33 years with Shell in the exploration group searching for oil and gas in Texas, Alberta, Alaska, and Syria. These assignments required him to move his family to Midland, Edmonton, Calgary, and Houston. He retired in 1989 to enjoy traveling with friends and family, and pursue his music hobby.

Franz loved music, and readily accepted any request to play it, whether by piano, accordion, banjo, ukulele, or kazoo! He valued his German heritage and sang in many German choirs throughout his juvenile and adult life. It was in the Chicago Jugendchor that he met Marie Anne. The Houston Liederkranz made him an Honorary Member for his efforts benefitting the organization and local German community. During retirement from Shell, Franz played keyboard for the Jaegermeister band, which played at venues throughout Southeast Texas, and Texas Hillcountry. He co-founded the Houston Shanty Chor, which continues to entertain the Gulf Coast region with sea shanties.

Franz was a devoted Christian and family man. He held leadership positions at various churches he attended, and helped lead the founding of Grace Lutheran School in Midland, Texas. Franz is survived by his wife, Marie Anne, and his children and their families; Ellen and Dr. Greg Kubala of Houston, Erich and Jeannie Schoennagel of Houston, Martha and Brock Miller of Houston; Grandchildren Nick and wife Morgan Kubala, Jennifer and husband Greg Burkholder, Dr. Michael and wife Courtney Kubala, Christopher Schoennagel, Kristina and husband Dr. Ryan Bishop, Hannah and husband Miles Johnson, and Clayton Miller; Great-grandsons Tristan and Tyler Burkholder, and John and Marc Kubala.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.

Titus 2:11-12