Col. John W. Schoonenberg, retired U.S. Army and corporate executive, peacefully passed away at age 100 on April 18, 2014. In the days immediately prior to his passing, John was surrounded by all of his devoted and loving children and many adoring grandchildren. He was born in Escanaba, MI on November 25, 1913 to John and Cecile Schoonenberg. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1931 and received a BA from Marquette University in 1936. He married the love of his life, Ione Henning from New Glarus, WI in 1942, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage. John was a highly decorated officer serving in both World War II and the Korean War. Originally starting with General Telephone in Madison, WI, John was employed and became an executive with Wisconsin Bell Telephone where he worked until retirement. He was a leader, a giver, a trusted advisor and a family man. He was an active member of the Lions Club, Elks Club, Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity, Knights of Columbus, Free Masonry (Nathan Hale Lodge and Tripoli Shrine), Knights Templar Club of Summit Lake Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Telephone Pioneers Club. His circle of family and many friends helped serve his insatiable quest for learning and social interaction. He and Ione were an adventurous couple, whose travels (many of which were in an RV), took them to all corners of the world. Following retirement, they both loved spending a month each year in Hawaii. He was a faithful member of St. Mary's Church in Hales Corners and enjoyed many friendships at Manor Park in West Allis. He loved the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Marquette Warriors, Hilltoppers and Golden Eagles. John is survived by his sister Mary, 5 sons and 1 daughter, John (Kathy) Schoonenberg, Robert (Sandy) van Schoonenberg, Don (Kristine) Schoonenberg, Timothy van Schoonenberg, Thomas (Elizabeth) Schoonenberg and Jeanne (Thomas) Hicken. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his wife Ione, daughter Mary Kay, sisters Florence and Helen and brother William. A service in celebration of John's life will be held on Friday May 2, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hales Corners at 11:00 am. Visitation will precede the service from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m at the church. A reception will be held following at the Wisconsin Club from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to Marquette University, which provided Dad a foundation for his success and which institution has recognized his accomplishments in a number of different ways.