Charles "Chuck" William Schoenherr, age 98, of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024, at Wyndemere Senior Living Community.

Charles was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and was the son of Louis and Helen Schoenherr.  He was married to the late Margaret ("Peggy") Landon Schoenherr for 68 years, and is survived by their five children, Margaret (Bob) Trask, John (Patricia, and former wife, Leslie) Schoenherr, William (Janie) Schoenherr, Ann (Darren) Root, Laura (Brad) Bennett, 18 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

The Schoenherr family moved to Racine, Wisconsin before Charles entered school.  It was there that he discovered football, and soon became a decorated athlete for his ability as both a fullback and linebacker.  From Racine, he went on to play football for the University of Wisconsin, then served during WWII for three years in the 5th Marine Division.  He returned home and completed his undergraduate education at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, graduating in 1950. While at Wheaton, his football notoriety continued.   In 1947 he led the nation in scoring and was named All-American.  It was also at Wheaton where he met his future wife, Peggy.  They married in 1948.

Chuck was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams but decided to forgo football and focus on his family and a career in education.  He received a Doctor of Education from Columbia University and went on to hold administrative positions at Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL, Director of Admissions), Juniata College (Huntingdon, PA, Dean of Students), Mackinac College (Mackinac Island, MI, Academic Dean), Sterling College (Sterling, KS, President), and Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Development, Director of Semester in Spain, and Interim President).

He was among the last of the generation popularly known as "The Greatest Generation", a generation known for "towering achievements and modest demeanor".  His greatest joy was knowing Christ.  It changed the trajectory of his life at an early age, causing him to use every day as an opportunity to share that joy generously with others.  He lived frugally so that he could give much to help others, including his family, friends, and those in need.   Chuck invested himself in prison ministry, provided financial counseling to the disadvantaged, and was the loudest cheerleader at every graduation and sporting event in which his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participated.

Chuck was also a life-long learner. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed auditing classes at Wheaton College in his retirement years. He was always up for a good discussion and had the ability to hold space for differing points of view, and the humility to reconsider his position.

Chuck was predeceased by his wife (Peggy), his parents (Louis and Helen), his brother (Donald Schoenherr), his sister (Gloria Schoenherr Allen), and his grandson (Nathaniel Trask).

Visitation will be on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 4 pm to 8 pm at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, 715 N. Carlton Ave., Wheaton, IL.  Pastor David Armstrong will officiate.  Visitation will start at 9 am, followed by the service at 10 am. A livestream of the service will be available here: Funeral Service for Charles Schoenherr

Burial will be at Wheaton Cemetery after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Chuck by either taking time to help someone in need, or donate in his name to the charity of your choice.

The family extends their gratitude to Maureen Wozny, the primary caregiver to Chuck.    Her compassion is beyond measure.  When he was down, she lifted his spirits, and when he was isolated and alone during COVID, she visited him regularly and provided comfort and a warm smile.  Gratitude is also extended to everyone from Residential Hospice and Wyndemere who helped Chuck through his final days.

Condolences to the family may be sent to Hultgren Funeral Home at www.hultgrenfh.com