Leonard Schoenwald, 98, Two Harbors, MN, formerly of Sawyer and Minot, died Tuesday, October 07, 2014, in a Two Harbors nursing home.

Leonard was born January 27, 1916, near Benedict, ND to Emanuel and Tina (Bechtold) Schoenwald. He was reared and educated in Benedict and as a young adult assisted his family on the home farmstead located in Iota Flat Township.

In 1935, he began mining coal southwest of Sawyer, operating Schoenwald Coal Company.

Leonard was united in marriage to Elsie Finkbeiner on September 24, 1939 at Max, ND. They made their home on a farm they rented from Hugo Henke, until he purchased land that became his own farmstead located southwest of Sawyer. In addition to his coal mining work, Leonard also developed and maintained a farming operation. He retired from farming in 1986. Leonard and Elsie moved to Minot in 1988. Elsie died in March 14 1989.

In addition to his work, Leonard was musically blessed. He shared his gifts as a member of the band "Harmony Kings" often performing in the communities of Max and Benedict. He was accomplished with the organ, violin and guitar.

Leonard married Ruby (Locke) Gowin on April 14, 1990 in Glenburn. Following their marriage they lived in Minot. Ruby passed away on January 17, 2013. Due to his health, Leonard moved closer to his family and became a resident of Ecumen Scenic Shores Nursing Home in Two Harbors, MN.

Leonard was a member of Calvary Chapel, Sawyer, ND and Gideon's International.

Leonard is survived by : his children, Debra (Don) Olsen, Two Harbors, MN, Wally Schoenwald, Minot, Arlis (Steve) Hutchison, Goldsboro, NC and Timm Schoenwald, Denver, CO; eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Stella Dowd and Luella Helle, both of Keizer, OR and Waldo Schoenwald of Velva; Step children: Steven (Verna) Gowin, Hazen, ND, Alice (Robert) Stewart, Wheeling, W.V., R. Aileen Carl, Inglis, FL, Myrna (Fred) Mayer, Glenburn, ND and Gayle (Charles) Proffit, Peyton, CO; a number of step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, wives, Elsie and Ruby, brother, Lawrence Schoenwald and sister, Dorothy Schmit along with several brothers in law and sisters in law.

Funeral Service : Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Interment : Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.