James "Jim" Schoen

James "Jim" Edmund Schoen, brother and friend to many, loving husband to Kathy, and dedicated father of five wonderful children passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2017, in Minnesota City--the place he loved calling home for 33 years.
Jim was born December 14, 1953 in Evanston, Illinois to Dr. Philip and Jean (Hoskin) Schoen. He graduated from Richmond-Burton High School in Richmond, IL.
After meeting the love of his life, Kathy Przytarski, in Winona, MN, Jim was honored by their marriage on November 8, 1980, starting a wonderful journey together as "The Schoens." For nearly 37 years, Jim and Kathy have shared a deep love, mutual admiration, and unbreakable friendship; a history that is not lost by his passing.
As a father, Jim taught his daughters that strong is beautiful and his sons to be chivalrous. Through his actions, his children learned to always stand tall, give a firm handshake and look people in the eyes when you speak.
At home, Jim could often be found singing in the kitchen while baking his famous bread, putting his skills to work on the home he loved, finishing his latest woodworking project, or taking his bear-of-a-dog, "Lola," for walks.
Known as an avid reader and fantastic story-teller, Jim was often seen in coffee shops around town, newsboy cap atop his head, cup of coffee close by, writing short stories. Recently, he accomplished a lifelong goal of publishing his first book: Nightwork.
An honest, hardworking and skilled craftsman, Jim was proud of his work as a carpenter and viewed it as a reflection of himself. After retiring from carpentry, he continued to work part-time driving bus for Winona Occupational Rehabilitation Center.
Jim was a kind and loyal man with a sense of humor that entertained and enlightened others. He will remain a teacher and inspiration to all those whose lives he touched.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy; five children, Brooke (Justin) Aram, Myra (Tyson) Norman, Vanessa (Brad) Hudson, Miles (Amber) Schoen and Adrian (Nicole) Schoen; seven grandchildren, Weston, Olive & Wiley Aram, Scout & Charlie Norman, Marley Hudson and Ella Schoen; siblings, Jean (Pat) Kagan, Dennis (Judy) Schoen, Cathy (Terry) Mullins, Richard (Jane) Schoen, Christine (Steve) Turner, Robert Schoen, Stephen (Lori) Schoen and Kevin Schoen; two sisters-in-law, Eileen Schoen and Faye Schoen; many nieces and nephews, and his loyal four-legged companion, Lola.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Theo Nash Hudson and two brothers, Philip and Tom Schoen.
Memorial Service will be 3 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Please share a memory of Jim, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.