Charles Frederick Schone

Charles “Chuck” Frederick Schone

Charles Schone passed away peacefully on February 5, 2018 after a brief illness.  The eldest of four children, Chuck was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, on April 14, 1925, and grew up on a small farm in the neighboring town of White Lake.  After high school he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served from November 1943, to February 1946, as a driver of an amphibious tank in the Pacific Theatre, seeing action on Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.  After the war, Chuck returned to South Dakota and, thanks to the GI bill, attended and graduated from Augustana College.

In 1948, Chuck and Gwendolyn Beck were married. They settled in Sioux Falls, where Chuck found employment and enjoyed a long career with Jordan Millwork, a wholesale lumber and building supplies company.  Chuck was proud of his success as a salesman and then as manager of branches for Jordan Millwork.  He maintained contact through the years with many co-workers who appreciated his work ethic and management style.

Chuck, Gwen, and their five children moved on to Sioux City, Iowa, and then to Omaha, Nebraska, for his work.  Chuck and Gwen lived in Blair, Nebraska, and eventually retired to Estes Park, Colorado, where they enjoyed years of retirement in the Rocky Mountains before moving to Brunswick, Maine, in 2000 and then on to Portland.

Relationships were important to Chuck, not only at work but with his friends, neighbors, and particularly his large extended family.  Attending reunions, writing letters, and making phone calls kept in him touch with those he cherished throughout his life.

Chuck’s mission in life was to serve. An active member of a Methodist church in any community where he lived, Chuck found expression of his faith in action and service.  He also loved work with the YMCA and with civic and service organizations.  Perhaps one of his favorite achievements was a part in establishing a senior/assisted living community in Estes Park, Colorado.  According to him, his greatest accomplishment was his family of five children who grew up under his love and strong moral compass. His firm handshake and congenial nature were appreciated in every community, even as he moved to assisted living and then to long-term care.

Charles is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gwen, brother Ted, and sister Mary Lou.   He is survived by his sister, Rose Marie Raymond, sister-in-law Caryl Schone, five children and ten grandchildren.   Those children are Sonia (Quentin Tonelli) of Portland, Maine;  Larry (Jeanne Schone) of Boynton Beach, Florida; James (Michiko Kono) of Seattle, Washington; Marsha (Jay Lemons) of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania; and Linda (Pat McFadden) of Kearney, Nebraska. The grandchildren are Andrew Tonelli (Emily Brown), Bret Tonelli, Mariko Schone, Olivia Lemons, Magdalene Lemons, Thomas Lemons, Meredith Lemons, Delaney McFadden, Brenna McFadden and Jack McFadden.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Seaside Rehabilitation and Healthcare, where Chuck lived for the last four years.  They provided consistently capable and compassionate care, especially remarkable during his last days.  Thanks also to Beacon Hospice and to special friends Stephanie Vary and MaryAnn and Bernie Gordon, regular visitors and friends to Chuck.

A service for family and friends will be held in Estes Park, Colorado, on June 24th this summer.

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