Walter Thomas “Tom” Schoenfeld passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the age of 73 while staying at Serenity Group Home in Kenosha, WI.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Schoenfeld; his three children, Scott (Leslie) Schoenfeld, Mandy (Don) Taylor, and Leah (Matt) Mekemson; his mother, Lorraine Schoenfeld; His four sisters, Judi (Tom) Curtin, Sue (Bob) Diebold, Jean (Bruce) Apa, Mary Ann (Paul) Lebreck; along with 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Also, survived by longtime friend/first wife Sue Chestnut. Tom is predeceased by his father, Walter Schoenfeld and his daughter, Cory Schoenfeld.
He was born on January 9, 1951, in Chicago, IL to Walter and Lorraine Schoenfeld. He graduated from Rolling Meadows High School in 1969, where the highlight of that time was having Ted Nugent as a classmate. Tom later spent six months in Texas at basic training and in 1971 was stationed in Tacoma, WA where he served in the United States Air Force. While in WA, Tom and first wife Sue welcomed a baby boy born September 25, 1973. Later moved back to Illinois to be near family. February 23, 1976, November 14, 1978, and January 19,1981 respectively, he welcomed his three beautiful daughters.
From a very young age music played a huge part in his life. Tom was well known for his drum solos at nightclubs, family parties and weddings. He also played in many bands over the years and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of being in a band. He also worked as a DJ for a country music station and also a DJ for many weddings. He also created multiple CD’s of his favorite songs sung by him to share with all. In later years, Tom worked as a custodian for Paris Grade School. He prided himself on a job well done and was loved by many people in that community. In recent years he found comfort in God and felt peace in knowing he would someday be reunited with his father and daughter.
His faith grew strong and while attending church he met Ruth Massman, Wertman and were married on January 18, 2014. They spent 10 wonderful years residing together in Racine, WI. Tom always had a good joke and could lift anyone’s spirits. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all that knew him.
Visitation for Tom will begin at 4:00pm Tuesday, June 25 at Journey Church, 10700 75th Street in Kenosha, with a memorial service to follow at 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association to further the research of Lewy Body Dementia.
