Douglas V. Schonauer

The Celebration of Life for Doug will be on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lee farm at 6665 83rd Avenue NE, Starkweather, ND. 

Douglas “Doug” Schonauer, 76 of Hampden, North Dakota passed away on Friday, March 8th, 2024 at CHI St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital. 

Doug was born in Devils Lake, North Dakota on July 8th, 1947, the first-born son of the late Vernon and Agnes (Ferley) Schonauer. Doug lived on a farm with his parents, two older sisters, and two younger brothers until he moved away to college and received an Associates degree in diesel mechanics.

Doug worked his entire career as a diesel mechanic for Lunde Implement, which later transitioned to Devils Lake Equipment, and eventually Leading Edge Equipment before retiring on March 1st, 2020 at the age of 72. Doug had a love and passion for his job, most importantly the farmers he worked for and the relationships he developed. Many considered Doug a mechanical genius, often seeking him out for his expertise, wisdom, and foolproof problem solving abilities. .

Doug had a passion for his family. He followed his children through their academic and athletic careers and most recently, has spent the last several years traveling from town to town to support his beloved grandchildren in their many sporting and dance activities. 

Doug had a clever wit and with a few simple words he could command an audience. When he had time to himself, he enjoyed everything about guns including hunting, fishing, spending time at the lake, playing pinochle, attending country concerts, and above all, helping others. 

Doug was united in marriage to his wife of 53 years, Gloria Iverson, on January 2nd, 1971. Together they raised their three children Dustin, Allison, and Erika in Hampden, North Dakota until they all transitioned from the home, eventually marrying and having children of their own. Doug is survived by his wife Gloria, son Dustin and his family Lisa, Madalyn, and Sophie of Bakersfield, California. Daughter Allison Hofstad and her family Chad, Hayden, Drew, Emma, and Isla of Starkweather, North Dakota. Daughter Erika Lee and her family Darin, Austin, Brady, Ivy, Kyzer and Leo from Starkweather, North Dakota. He is also survived by his sisters Judy Heisler, Jill (Ted) Hoiland, brothers Don (Diane) and Dale, his aunt Delores (Winston) Johnson and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers-in-law Richard Anderson and Steve Heisler. 

Reverend Robert Buechler will officiate and music will be provided by Kelly Hamre and Emma and Isla Hofstad. There will be a special video tribute by Dustin Schonauer and special tributes by family and friends of Doug. Burial will be in the Storlie Cemetery, rural Hampden at a later date.