Elmer Francis Schoenecker

Obituary Elmer Francis Schoenecker was born April 6, 1927 in Nashua, Minnesota, the 8th of 11 children born to Barthel & Angela Schoeneker, and died March 25, 2006 in University Place. He moved to Kansas in 1933 after his father died of pneumonia. Elmer joined the Navy in 1943 at the age of 16 and had been a P.O.W. in the Korean conflict. He married Genevieve I. Barbeau on November 4, 1947 and they moved to Tacoma where he went to work for the Tacoma Fire Department from where he retired in 1977 after 25 years of service. He also served as the Fire Chief for the Township of Ruston. As the owner of Francis Styling Salon he was known as "Mr. Francis". He wrote and lectured on organic cosmetics and hair care products. Elmer is also remembered for having designed and built many of the statues in the Japanese garden located in Point Defiance Park. Elmer was preceded in death by 2 sisters, 1 brother, 2 grandsons and 1 great grandson. He is survived by his wife of 58 years; Genevieve I. Schoenecker, children; Kathleen M. Stokesberry, Michael V. Schoenecker, Roger F. Schoenecker, Genevieve A. Schoenecker and Paul M. Schoenecker, eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren. After raising their own children, Elmer and Genevieve went on to help raise many nieces, nephews and other family members. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 31, 2006, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The Rosary will be recited Thursday, March 30, 2006, 7:00 p.m. at the Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Viewing will be all day Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA.