Sylvester “Sal” Schoenborn

Sylvester “Sal” Schoenborn, age 86, Mahnomen, MN, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 26, 2022, at his home.

Sal was born on March 5, 1936 to Herman and Cecelia Schoenborn in Mahnomen County. He grew up on the family farm north of Beaulieu, MN where he attended Summer School in chief township. Sal was a lifelong learner, always curious and seeking to build new skills.

Sal married Pat Duncan on December 28th, 1968. Pat and Sal met at a roller-skating rink and their first date was on Pat’s 16th birthday. Pat and Sal designed and built a beautiful home in Pembina township in the late 70’s where they’ve enjoyed time together for years. Sal was a loving husband and an inspiration to many who witnessed his devotion to Pat.

Sal served his country in the National Guard. In 1961, Sal purchased half of the Mahnomen Concrete plant where he worked as co-owner/operator until he retired in 1994. Sal was a hands-on manager and would often share fond memories of his time at the plant.

Sal enjoyed working on antique sports cars, golfing and spending time with family and friends. In the 1960’s he enjoyed bowling with the Schoenborn brothers bowling team. Sal was a kind man, always with a smile on his face and played a very special role in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He and Pat were present and engaged for countless graduations, weddings, births, and holiday gatherings. He was loyal and cared deeply about the lives of close friends and their families.

Pat and Sal spent many Christmases in Maui, Hawaii and later enjoying extended winters at their home in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Their love of travel led them to explore the United States as well as Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Mexico.

Sal was a devoted member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Mahnomen and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club. Sal’s faith was a guiding force in his life.

Sal was survived by his wife, Patricia; brothers and sisters-in-law, Laverne (Verla) Schoenborn, Delmar (Betty) Schoenborn; sisters-in-law, Joan Schoenborn and Marilyn Hendrickson; and many nieces and nephews.

Sal was preceded in death by his parents, Cecelia and Herman Schoenborn; brothers: Walter, Marvin and Anthony Schoenborn; sister, Lucille Winter; infant sister, Priscilla; infant brother, Cyril; brothers and sisters-in-law: Mardelle Schoenborn, Milo Winter, and Eleanor Schoenborn; and brother-in-law, Harlan Hendrickson.

Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Burial was in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available on the website. The service was recorded and is available for viewing at www.andersonfamilyfh.com

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family

Funeral Home of Mahnomen. www.andersonfamilyfh.com