August 14, 1950 – December 22, 2025
Michael Schoonover, 75, of Sumner, died Monday evening, December 22, 2025, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Waucoma Event Center. In lieu of flowers and statuary, memorials may be made to the family for later charitable designation.
Michael Rae, son of Wilbur and Phyllis (Yearling) Schoonover was born August 14, 1950, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner. He grew up in Northeast Iowa and graduated from Sumner High School in 1968. Mike was known for his strong work ethic, which he demonstrated early on by hauling milk at the age of 16. His career journey led him to Niemann Construction and ultimately to Overton Chemical in Sumner, which later became Hydrite in 1976. As a dedicated truck driver for over 40 years, Mike was a respected figure at his workplace until his retirement on February 21, 2015. On April 25, 1971, he was united in marriage with Paula Greve at the Methodist Church in Sumner. To this union two children were born, Jennifer and Darin.. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Paula, meticulously caring for his lawn, and relishing time on the Mississippi boating and at their cherished retreat. His 1971 Chevy truck was a source of pride, and he was a familiar face at the V.F.W. in Tripoli, where he loved to socialize. Mike enjoyed deer hunting and playing softball in his early years. His enthusiasm for dirt track races was shared with his grandson Seger, who accompanied him weekly, continuing the tradition even after Mike fell ill. Those who knew Mike will remember his radiant smile, his generous heart, and his ability to make friends with ease. He was a man who found joy in the company of others, and his presence was a comfort and delight to all those who knew him.
Mike is survived by his wife, Paula of Sumner; children, Jennifer (Daryl) Gott of Maynard and Darin Schoonover of Sumner; four grandchildren, Seger (Alysha) Gott of Hawkeye, Sawyer (Rebecca) Gott of Westgate, Owen Schoonover of Sumner and Olyvia Schoonover of Sumner; siblings, Jeff (Cindy) Schoonover of Fredericksburg, Richard (Diane) Schoonover of Fredericksburg, Brad Schoonover of Fredericksburg, Lisa (Dennis) Herold of Austin, Minnesota and Becky (Todd) Scott of Iowa City; sister-in-law, Teri Briddle of St. Louis, Missouri; brother-in-law, David (Laura) Greve of Ossian; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Geri (Zubrod) Greve and Kenny Greve; sister-in-law, Brenda Kuhlmann; nephew, Shane Schoonover; and other family members.
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