1916
Warren
2005
Warren Schoen
October 31, 1916 — April 13, 2005
Warren Schoen was born on October 31, 1916 in Ortonville, MN to parents Lilly (Mattson) and Dr. Elmer M. Schoen. He attended Ortonville Schools and graduated Valedictorian in 1934. In 1940, he completed his military education and training at the United States Naval Academy. Naval assignments were to the battleships USS New Mexico and USS Iowa on which the rank of Lieutenant Commander was reached during World War II.
With the death of his father in 1946, Warren left the Navy and entered a partnership with his mother as a third generation owner of Schoen Furniture Store and Mortuary. In 1960, the business was sold in part to funeral director, Robert Ecklund. The current Larson Funeral Home continues this original enterprise.
Warren maintained a life long interest in western Minnesota?s landscape and wildlife. Soon after purchasing farmland, he began devoting his time and resources to land management and conservation. Warren created numerous aquatic and habitat restoration projects on his land. He committed regular support to many environmental and animal rights groups and eventually deeded a sustainable land trust of hundreds of acres to the Minnesota Waterfowl Association.
From his base in Ortonville, Warren also began to travel extensively. He expanded his environmental activities globally with the goal of familiarizing himself with every possible animal and country in the world. On one of his travels, he met Vera Maria Groshoff, a writer, explorer and fellow conservationist. They were married in 1975 in Wheaton, Illinois. A second home was purchase on St Vincent Island where they could more completely share their interest in cultures, the eco-system and world travel.
Because of a coronary condition, Warren chose to return to Ortonville full time in
2002 Vera elected to remain on St. Vincent Island to maintain their home and relationships.
Warren was a member of Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge, VFW Post #3964, and the American Legion. He continued to be an active member of the church of his confirmation, the Congregational Church of Christ. A special time for Warren was his Halloween birthdays, when he always got together with his closest friends and family to celebrate.
Warren passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at the Ortonville hospital. He had reached the age of 88 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lilly, brother John, and sister, Barbara.
Warren was survived by his wife, Vera Schoen, his loving extended family and many friends. He will be truly missed.
With the death of his father in 1946, Warren left the Navy and entered a partnership with his mother as a third generation owner of Schoen Furniture Store and Mortuary. In 1960, the business was sold in part to funeral director, Robert Ecklund. The current Larson Funeral Home continues this original enterprise.
Warren maintained a life long interest in western Minnesota?s landscape and wildlife. Soon after purchasing farmland, he began devoting his time and resources to land management and conservation. Warren created numerous aquatic and habitat restoration projects on his land. He committed regular support to many environmental and animal rights groups and eventually deeded a sustainable land trust of hundreds of acres to the Minnesota Waterfowl Association.
From his base in Ortonville, Warren also began to travel extensively. He expanded his environmental activities globally with the goal of familiarizing himself with every possible animal and country in the world. On one of his travels, he met Vera Maria Groshoff, a writer, explorer and fellow conservationist. They were married in 1975 in Wheaton, Illinois. A second home was purchase on St Vincent Island where they could more completely share their interest in cultures, the eco-system and world travel.
Because of a coronary condition, Warren chose to return to Ortonville full time in
2002 Vera elected to remain on St. Vincent Island to maintain their home and relationships.
Warren was a member of Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge, VFW Post #3964, and the American Legion. He continued to be an active member of the church of his confirmation, the Congregational Church of Christ. A special time for Warren was his Halloween birthdays, when he always got together with his closest friends and family to celebrate.
Warren passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at the Ortonville hospital. He had reached the age of 88 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lilly, brother John, and sister, Barbara.
Warren was survived by his wife, Vera Schoen, his loving extended family and many friends. He will be truly missed.