Watch LaVerne's Funeral Service

LaVerne Schoenborn, age 99, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Mahnomen Nursing Center, under the care of Hospice.

LaVerne Christ was the 2 ^nd child born to Herman and Cecelia (Haider) Schoenborn on March 29, 1924. He grew up on the farm north of Beaulieu, MN. LaVerne attended Country School through 8 ^th grade. He loved horses and Ford cars. LaVerne met Verla (Rogers) at a dance in Flom, MN. They were married May 23, 1948, at Wild Rice Church. Verla came first in his life. LaVerne followed his sweetheart for 75 years.

After he left the farm, he worked a couple years at the concrete plant. For several years, LaVerne had a milk can route, which he later sold to his brother, Anthony. He went on to work for Hanson-Henry-Bradley Motors, where he became a skilled mechanic. In 1964, LaVerne went to work for Horace Agnew at Phillips 66. Then In 1968, he and his brother, Marvin, bought the Phillips 66, which they ran until retirement in 1990.

LaVerne and Verla did a little traveling, but his favorite trip was to Alaska.  While fishing on the Kenai River, he landed a 64lb salmon, which was mounted and continued to be his pride and joy. LaVerne's hobbies were cars and gardening. He had an eye for the classics: Thunderbird, Lincoln, Mercury.  His love of Fords got him into car sales, where he and Verla would pick up a select used car and drive it home—one car at a time. You always found LaVerne in his garage tinkering to 90 years old, and he taught his son everything he knows about old Fords. He enjoyed his small garden, which the grandkids helped plant. His flower box always hosted bright red geraniums, which he nursed through the winter, to plant again next year.  Spending time with the grandkids was special: throwing thousands of softball pitches in the backyard, following their sports, and listening faithfully to away games on the radio.

LaVerne is best known for his sense of humor and generous smile. He often brightened everyone's day with his stories at holidays. Even in his last weeks, a visit from a niece or nephew immediately brought that big smile. His dry wit often made the day of many at the nursing home.

LaVerne is survived by one son, Darvin (Terry) Schoenborn, Mahnomen; three grandchildren: Amanda (Mike) Grensteiner, Bismarck, ND; Brent (Amber) Schoenborn, West Fargo, ND; Chris (Stacey) Schoenborn, Fargo, ND; six great-grandchildren: Brody, Landon, Ella, Eli, Ben, and Isabelle; one brother, Delmar (Betty) Schoenborn; in-laws, Joan Schoenborn, Pat Schoenborn, Donna Rogers, and many cherished nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; siblings and spouses: Wally (Mardelle), Lucille (Milo Winter), Marvin (Eleanor), Anthony, and Sylvester; Rogers in-laws: Ray (Ardelle), William (Sig), Gilford (Dorothy), Earl (Loyal), Philip, Ethel (Oris Morken), Alta (Ted Winter), and Mavis (Everett Wermager).

Funeral Service will be Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church, in Mahnomen MN. Visitation will be held one hour before at the church. Interment for LaVerne and Verla will follow at the First Lutheran Cemetery, Mahnomen. The Service will be recorded and available online on the website.

In-Lieu of flowers, please send memorials directly to First Lutheran Church (PO BOX 454), Mahnomen County Historical (PO BOX 123), or Hospice of the RRV.