General Information
Full Name: Phillip Leonard Schmoll
Date of Birth: August 22, 1946
Date of Death: August 24, 2013
Phillip’s life story
Phillip Leonard Schmoll
On August 22, 1946 in Faribault, MN, Phillip Leonard was born to parents William E. and Martha V. (Ehrich) Schmoll. He was the fourth of sixteen children. Phil’s childhood years were spent growing up in various cities in southern Minnesota, with most of his years in Kenyon, MN. He attended West Concord and Kenyon Schools.
Half way through his senior year of high school, Phil enlisted in the United States Army. While in the service, he earned his GED. Phil proudly served for two years (1964-1966), as a lineman in Korea and as the company clerk. After returning from the service, he attended three years of vo-tech learning the trade of heating and air conditioning. For over 30 years, Phil worked for various companies installing and repairing HVAC systems, until retiring at the age of 58.
While attending a dance at the Bixby Ballroom, Phil met a young lady named Bonnabelle Suzanne Oeltjenbruns. They dated for a short time and on February 21, 1970, Phil exchanged wedding vows with Bonnie. They were blessed with three sons, Chad, Keith and Alex. As a family, they enjoyed camping and fishing.
Having a love for motorcycles, Phil and Bonnie put on many miles, traveling to Sturgis 13 times, also Texas, Canada, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and all the states in between. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, deer hunting at the farm, collecting shot glasses and playing cards, especially Euchre. His passion in life was his family, with his granddaughter, Kendra, being the apple of his eye.
Patriotic through and through, Phil was a proud member of the Prior Lake V.F.W. He loved to volunteer his time at their pancake breakfasts, bingo events and steak fry’s. But Phil was most proud of being a part of the volunteer V.F.W. Honor Guard as a rifleman and standing guard with the Minnesota Patriot Guard. He was also a member of the A.B.A.T.E (American Bikers for Awareness Training and Education), Brothers of the Third Wheel, Savage American Legion and the Faribault H.O.G. Chapter.
A stubborn German personality, Phil never sat idle; he was always hard at work. He constantly was helping any in need. Phil courageously fought COPD for ten years, passing away peacefully the morning of Saturday, August 24, 2013, at his home in Shakopee. He was 67 years old.
Phil will be deeply missed and remembered always by those who love him: wife, Bonnie; sons, Chad Schmoll of Prior Lake, Keith (Joy) Schmoll of Shakopee, and Alex Schmoll of Prior Lake; granddaughter, Kendra; siblings, Irene (Chuck) Thomas of Owatonna, Clarence Schmoll of Houston, TX, Larry Schmoll of Swea City, IA, David (Debra) Schmoll of Champlin, Norma (Larry) Laue of Nerstrand, Alice (Steve) Schwering of Lamberton, Kathy (Jeff) Jacobson of Owatonna, Ruth (Marvin) Thompson of Owatonna, Bernice Norton of Owatonna, Dennis Schmoll of Owatonna, John Schmoll of Westbrook, Nancy Schmoll of Boise, ID; other relatives and devoted friends.
Phil is preceded in death by parents, William and Martha; brother, Roy Schmoll; sisters, Cindy Schmoll and Harriet Kessler. Urn bearers for Phil will be his three sons.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, August 28 from 4-8 pm and one hour prior to the Life Tribute Gathering on Thursday, August 29 at 11 am, ALL at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior. The Life Tribute Specialist will be Jean Breeggemann. Full military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Post 6208 Color Guard.
The Schmoll family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Wednesday, August 28, 2013, 4-8 pm
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Service Information
When: Thursday, August 29, 2013, 11:00 am
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, Minnesota
