Henry August Schoenbeck III

Henry “Hank” August Schoenbeck III of Thousand Palms, California, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 2:46 a.m. at the age of 75 in the comfort of his home. He was born on September 12, 1948, in Livonia, Michigan, where he grew up. He was raised by his Father, Henry August Schoenbeck Jr. and Mother, Olive June Schoenbeck. Hank was the oldest of four siblings: Thomas, Denise, and James.

He graduated from Bentley High School in Livonia, Michigan, in 1966 and later earned an associate’s degree from Mount San Antonio College in California in 1975. There he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing baseball as a pitcher. He worked for Pacific Bell as a Splicer and later became an AT&T Planning Manager.

Hank was actively involved in fishing, golfing, and enjoyed visiting his family and traveling the United States in his motor home with his wife, Sharon. He was a man of great courage and resilience, qualities that were evident throughout his life, including during his health battles. He was deeply grateful to his first wife, Mary Somers, who selflessly donated a kidney to him, a gift that extended his life and enabled him to create many cherished memories with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry August Schoenbeck, Jr., 65, and Olive June Schoenbeck, 49, and his daughter, Julie Ann Schoenbeck-Krauel, 45, of Phenix City, AL.

Hank is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Schoenbeck, who stood by his side with unwavering love and support. Together, Hank and Sharon shared an amazing life in Thousand Palms, CA, and were blessed with 42 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his brother Thomas Schoenbeck (Kathleen) of Kentucky, sister Denise Schoenbeck of Paris, CA , and brother James Schoenbeck (Denise) of Grass Valley, CA, his daughter Mary Gamble (Michael) of Central Point, OR, son Henry Schoenbeck IV (Shashona) of Auburn, CA, and stepsons; Mark Hunt (Tracy) of Ventura, CA, Steve Hunt (Sarah), Yorba Linda, CA, David Hunt (Vicki) Ojai, CA, and Rick Hunt, Ojai, CA. Hank leaves behind fourteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Hank was the patriarch of the Schoenbeck family and was deeply devoted to his loved ones, always willing to drop everything to help a family member in need. The family would like to thank Eisenhower Health & Serenity Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 210 High St, Santa Cruz, CA. A celebration of life will immediately follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Hank’s honor to: Sutter Health https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com or to donate over the phone 916-286-8448.