Final Salute

STEELEVILLE – Dennis Earl Schnoeker Jr. (Denny) of Steeleville, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family after a one year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Dennis was born in Sparta, on March 26, 1974. He was a 1992 graduate of Steeleville High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) serving from 1993-1998 attaining the rank of BU3 (builder petty officer 3rd class). He worked at Chester Mental Health Center in Chester for 20 years attaining the position of security therapy aide II. He was a respected and loved coworker, especially by the Unit C staff. He was described as a great leader and mentor by his coworkers. Everyone talks about his great smile. He would help anybody who needed help. He knew how to do just about everything in construction.

Dennis was an avid NASCAR fan, especially Kyle Busch. He enjoyed traveling and adventure. He especially enjoyed spending time in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, area. He was an amateur distiller; he enjoyed deer hunting; and he was the best dog dad ever.

Dennis is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 20 years, Melissa Schoneker and her family; his parents, Dennis E Schnoeker Sr. of Sparta and Melody and Robert Schoeppel of Steeleville; his brother, Derek (Erin) Schnoeker; nephews Dylan Linders of Percy and Charles Schnoeker of Steeleville; niece, Savannah (Aidden) Wilcox of Steeleville; great niece, Mazikeen; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dennis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Betty Schoneker and Lewis and Winnie Schuetz, Eugene and Mary Lou Schoeppel; aunt, Peggy Moore Guthrie; and uncle, Jerry Hostetler.

Dennis was a member of the American Leigon BBK Post 480 in Steeleville and Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville.

Dennis’ wish was to be cremated. The family will host a Celebration of Life from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in the Small Hall at the American Legion, 303 S. Chester St., Steeleville. A Military Rites Ceremony will be held at that time.

Memorials may be given to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, online at T2T.org or mail to 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; or to Randolph County Humane Society.
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