Mark Schomer
July 18, 2010
Mark Schomer, 44, died Saturday, July 17, 2010 at his home in Colfax. He was born on November 5, 1965 in Des Moines to Mickey and Jean Schomer.
Mark worked as a maintenance engineer for Anderson Erickson for 23 years. He was an outdoorsman who loved animals, hunting and preserving his own food through his garden. Through his woodworking and metal working, he was considered as somewhat of a “MacGyver.” But his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his children.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Michelle; children, Bailey and Blake Schomer; parents, Mickey and Jean Schomer; siblings; Gary (Jodie) Schomer, David Schomer, Bruce (Annie) Schomer, Donny (Julie) Schomer, Jeanette (Mike) Kirkpatrick, Charlotte (Roger) Jaschke, Lois Morrow, Marcene (Frank) De Stefano; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 22, 2010 at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave., Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends may visit with family from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2010 with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. There will also be visitation one hour prior to service time on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Mark.
On-line condolences to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kelly wilson
07/20/2010
Jeanette, Charlotte and the Schomer family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I only knew Mark through his kids being involved at school activities. He always seemed to be happy and friendly. Jeanette and Charlotte I know family means everything to you two (as I loved to hear you two talk about your family through conversations when we worked together) and I am so sad that you and your sibblings and families are going through this tragic and unexpected loss. I still can't believe it. I hope that Michelle, the kids and your family can cling to the good memories you have of Mark and find some comfort. Love you both. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristen Oeth
07/20/2010
Dear Schomer family,
I was a childhood neighbor, friend and classmate of Mark and Marcene's; I have since moved to Ohio but am vacationing in Okoboji and was shocked to see Mark's obituary this morning. I have fond memories of elementary school at All Saints, especially when Mark snuck a dead tarantula into our coat closet and startled everyone beyond belief!
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time,
Kristen Oeth
Larry and Paulette Ihrig
07/20/2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Larry and Paulette (Steinbach) Ihrig
Traci Biddle
07/20/2010
I was saddened to learn of Marks passing. I am one of many neighborhood children who grew up with the Schomers being a second family to me, spending as much time at their house as my own. Mark was the big brother I never had. I have fond memories of playing Moose a hunting hide and seek game, where Mark would be the only one who would hide on top of garages or up phone poles. He always won. I remember him helping me catch daddy long legs and putting them in apple cider jars to watch. Even though I was younger, he took pity on me, in high school and gave me rides home in his El Camino. Of course, the passenger seat wasnt bolted down, so every time he went around the corner, I went flying towards the window. He seemed to find that funny. I have many good memories of Mark.
I wasnt lucky enough to know him in our adult lives, but I do know that his family and friends lost a good man. May all of his family, keep the good memories in your heart.
With my deepest condolences,
Traci Biddle
Barb Godwin Flickinger
07/20/2010
It is with sadness that I type this message to you all. I am praying for each of you during this time of sadness and grief.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. Psalm 23
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us allhow will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who diedmore than that, who was raised to lifeis at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39
God is with you. He hurts with you. HE LOVES YOU all!!! May you find comfort in HIS love for you!!
I will continue to pray for you all.
In God's love,
Barb Godwin Flickinger
Todd Jacobus
07/20/2010
What a terrible surprise to read Mark's obituary in the newspaper this morning. Mark & Michelle were the best next-door neighbors ever (we lived at 4113 12th Street in Oak Park from 1991-96). I don't think I ever met someone who enjoyed life more, and who seemed to get the most out of every day. Mark was always there if you needed help. Including the time in 1993, when we had a foot of water in the basement, and he helped me with a portable sump pump, got all of the water out, and then helped me dig a sump pump in the basement. Nothing was big enough. He suggested that we put a 55 gallon drum that he had over in his dad's garage into the floor, and that's what we did. I bet that house is the dryest one in the neighborhood today. I swear Mark could fix ANYTHING. I also remember Mark helping out my wife and kids when I was out of town during July of 1993, when the floods hit Des Moines. He had set up a system to catch the rain water, funnel it into his hot water heater, so they could take showers. I remember he found a stranded baby deer down on Morningstar by the Golays and he brought it up to his house, put it in a kennel in his back yard, and raised it until it could live on its own. He and Michelle had that big old dog "Babs", and I can remember him getting that dog to howl in the back yard by howling himself. Very funny. Then, there was little "Muskrat" - that feisty little dog that would go everywhere with him. Mark let me go with him to check his trap lines, and also to check his fishing areas. He introduced me to much of his family, and they sure were the nicest people you could ever meet. I knew that they had moved to Colfax, and I figured that was perfect for Mark, so he could have more space for his critters. I ran into Mark, Bailey and Blake at Quiktrip by Firestone a few years back, and we talked about the kids, their home out in the country. He sure did seem happy. And, when I think of Mark & Michelle, I think of her laughing hysterically listening to one of Mark's stories, or while telling us something he did. What a great couple. I sure am sorry to hear of this very tragic loss to the entire Schomer clan. There's no doubt in my mind that Mark got more out of his 44 years than the average man would get out of a hundred years. Rest in peace, Mark. You were a good man.
Tony and Barb Addy
07/20/2010
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve Mark's passing. The pain in your hearts is because of the love in your hearts for Mark--the greater the love, the greater the pain.
We pray your memories will sustain you and offer you great joy in having Mark in your lives. May your faith carry you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Tony and Barb Addy
Pat and Theresa Navin
07/19/2010
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless each and every one of you.
Love,
Pat and Theresa Navin
Angela White
07/19/2010
Michelle, Bailey & Blake, Mickey & Jean, and Schomer Family,
Although words seem inadequate, please know that my heart goes out to all of you. May God hold and protect you in this time. May you feel the love and prayers of friends and neighbors. May you hold to fond memories:
Growing up across the street from 701, there was always a lot to see. Whether it was a 10 ft. tall bike, a menagerie of pets (ferrets, roosters, squirrels, and who could forget Timer), or the clubhouse to which I was seldom invited, there was Mark. He was a one-of-a-kind in our Oak Park neighborhood. He was loved and will be greatly missed.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Angela (Bruner) White
Judy
07/19/2010
Michelle, Bailey and Blake,
My heart aches for all of you knowing the depth of sadness you must be feeling at this time. Please know that we will be keeping all of you and Mark in our thoughts and prayers for strength and understanding while you cope with this sudden loss.
Michelle, there are so many people that know and care about you, please let us show you -- if there is ANYTHING that you or the kids need, please call, no matter how small or how big your need is.
If I could ease your pain, you know I would try. If I could make you smile, you know I would try. If you just need a hug or someone to stand by your side, I will be there.