Earl Eli Schoonover

Earl Schoonover, 83, Gackle, ND died Sunday morning July 20, 2008 at the Wishek Community Hospital in Wishek, ND.

Earl Eli Schoonover was born September 22, 1924 at Fort Rice, ND, the son of George Schoonover and Margaret (Gerving) Schoonover. He attended the local rural school and received his elementary education later attending the Wahpeton North Dakota State School of Science where he received his degree in Automotive Mechanics.

In January 31, 1943 he entered the Untied States Army at Ft. Snelling, MN. He served with Gen. Patton's 86th Blackhawk Division in Europe and later in the Philippines during WWII. He separated in the Philippine Islands and was inducted into the Army again August 4, 1950 at Camp McCoy, WI and was separated from the Army November 21, 1950 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He and Gloria Laemmle were married March 14, 1946 at Wibaux, MT. They made their home in Grafton, ND; Valley City, ND and Livingston, MT where he was an automotive mechanic for 40 years. He retired in 1986 and moved Gackle and in 1992 they moved to the farmstead SE of Gackle, ND.

He was a member of the American Legion, D.A.V. and the V.F.W.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria, Gackle, ND; 1 son Jim (Linda) Schoonover, Cave City, AR; 3 daughters Jane (George) Christianson, Vergas, MN; Lois Schoonover, Coffeeville, KS; Judy Schultz, Beulah/Gackle, ND; 10 grandchildren;18 great grandchildren;3 sisters, Arlene (Ron) Cappella, Mandan, ND; Lila (Tony) Gress, Glendive, MT; Jenny Metsner, Mandan, ND; 2 brothers, Albert Schoonover, Kingman, AZ and Glen Schoonover, Ft. Rice, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday July 23, 2008 at the Grace Baptist Church in Gackle, ND with Rev. Timothy Blackman, officiating.