Phyllis Schonebaum

Funeral services for Phyllis Schonebaum were held on Saturday, Mach 5, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon as Celebrant.

Bob Hausmann served as lector, and altar servers were Brianna Davis and Sarah Spann.

Music was provided by the Geoff Smith, soloist, and Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony choirs, accompanied by Roberta Witt, pianist.

Video presentation was by Jeri Quiring, and Tiffany Bartling and Mindy Schonebaum were in charge of registration.

Casket bearers were Brock Schmitz, Phillip Schonebaum, Andy Schonebaum, Jim Schonebaum, Klay Schonebaum, and Kolt Schonebaum. Interment was in the Graceland Cemtery in Burke, SD. Kotrba-Smith

Interment was in the Graceland Cemtery in Burke, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis Jean Kirsch was born in Winner, SD, on October 6, 1931, to Joe and Tracy (Helmberger) Kirsch. As everyone knows, this was during the “Dirty Thirties,” and times were tough. Joe worked wherever he could find a job, while Tracy and Phyllis were at home. Phyllis remembers her mother taking her to the cellar, hanging a lantern, and shutting the door while she walked after the milk cows. The wind and dirt blew so bad you couldn’t see. Needless to say, Phyllis never liked to stay alone, and she was afraid of the dark.

Phyllis spent her childhood on the family farm north of Burke. At the age of thirteen years old, she had a baby sister, Joann.

Phyllis attended Burke Public Schools and graduated in 1949. She also attended a six week business class in Mitchell. Phyllis married Walter Schonebaum on June 14, 1950.

Walt and Phyllis had four children: Joseph Allen, Jerry Lee (Buzz), Joy Lynn, and Jeffrey James. They were married for 37 years, raising their children, working side-by-side in the field, and raising Farmer Hybrid hogs and a herd of registered Hereford cattle.

They had lots of friends, many card parties, and after a week of hard work, they still found time to go to a Saturday night dance in Herrick.

Phyllis, Walt, Stan, and Joann loved going to bull sales.

Together, Phyllis and Walt shared their faith and their work ethic with their children. In 1988, Phyllis lost her husband Walt, in 2005, her son Buzz, and in

In 1988, Phyllis lost her husband Walt, in 2005, her son Buzz, and in 2007, her daughter-in-law Penny — all to cancer. In 2010 she lost her mother Tracy. It was a terrible loss, but her faith was strong and she was a survivor.

After the death of her husband, she relied on Joe, Buzz, Joy, and Jeff to keep things going. She had many health issues herself, but she would always say, “I guess I shouldn’t complain because I know there are many people worse off than me.”

As the years went by, walking became more difficult, and she came to depend on Joy and Jeff to do almost everything for her.

Phyllis was past president of the Altar Society and was also on the church board. She served on the FmHA board, the Burke Hospital board, the Gregory County Election board, and worked at Fort Randall Casino for ten years.

Phyllis was a hard worker, a devout Catholic, and a staunch Democrat. Phyllis passed away on February 24, 2022, at the age of 90 years.

Phyllis is survived by her son Joe and wife Cheryl of Burke, SD; daughter-in-law Brenda of Elk Point, SD; son Jeff and wife Jo of Bonesteel, SD; daughter Joy of Bonesteel, SD; sister Joann and husband Stan Liewer of Burke, SD; sister-in-law Donna Bendig of Bonesteel, SD; 18 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Walt; infant grandson Miles; son Buzz; daughter-in-law Penny; parents Joe and Tracy Kirsch; brother-in-law Kenneth Schonebaum and wife Joyce; great-granddaughter Kinzlee; and brother-in-law Albin Bendig.