Mike Schoen, affectionately known as “Grunt” by nearly everyone who knew him, was born on July 30th, 1950, in La Crosse, and passed away on September 28th, 2025, under hospice care at his home in La Crosse. While he remained a resident of La Crosse, he spent the last few years of his life wintering in Mesa, Arizona.

Mike graduated from Central High School and Western Technical College, where he also played baseball. He devoted his entire professional life to Trane Company, as a welder, until his retirement. Mike was also a proud military veteran having served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and going on to serve in the Naval Reserve. He later joined the Army Reserve where he was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and again for the Global War on Terrorism. He was awarded an Army Commendation Medal, 3 Army Achievement Medals, an Army Good Conduct Medal, 5 Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, 3 National Defense Service Medals, 2 Vietnam Service Medals, and 2 Armed Forces Reserve Medals. Mike retired from the military after a distinguished 31-year career. His dedication to service extended beyond the military, as he selflessly gave back to his community as a volunteer fireman for the Town of Shelby and on the police reserve for the City of La Crosse. He hosted foreign exchange students and also made a lasting impact as a mentor in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

Mike impacted many lives with his unwavering generosity and selflessness. He never hesitated to help those in need, treating friends like family and always prioritizing the well-being of loved ones. Whether or not help was requested, Mike would always be there to lend a hand. His genuine personality, quick witted sense of humor, and passionate spirit was truly endearing. His competitive nature and love for every major Wisconsin sports team showed in nearly every conversation. For many, his presence will be felt at every trip to a game, and in the playful suspicion that he may have “moved your ball” during a missed putt.

Mike is survived by his non-biological, not officially adopted sons: Andy Gautsch (Justina), and Nathaniel Turner. He is also survived by his sisters: Donna Ruud, Mary Jo Suhr (Jeff), Rita Shufelt, and Rachel Oestreich (Troy), as well as nieces and nephews: Shana Ruud, Shawn Ruud, Adam Suhr (Haley), Heather Schumacher (Jimmy), Amanda Domenget, Daniel Domenget (Jessica), Alex Shufelt, Ashley Shufelt, Alyssa Shufelt, Tyler Oestreich, Avrey Oestreich, and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Hilary and Faye Schoen, his brother Bruce, brother and sister-in-law Jeffrey and Toni Schoen, brother-in-law Donald Ruud, many aunts and uncles, and some very good friends.

They say there is a reason,

they say that time will heal,

neither will change the way we feel.

Gone are the days we used to share,

but in our hearts you will always be there.

The gates of memories will never close,

we will miss you more than anybody knows.

Until we meet again.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice as well as the La Crosse Mayo Emergency and ICU departments for assisting Mike through his last few months. The attentiveness and kindness shown by the nurses and doctors was appreciated by Mike and his family more than you all know.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 8th at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI 54650. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Lunch will be provided after a short service.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.