Myron J Schober

RUSHFORD, MINNMyron J. Schober, 72, died November 10, 2014 of multiple infections - complications of cancer chemotherapy.His beloved family includes wife Darlene, sons John Mark (Sammie) and David, sister Ardella (Curtis) Norenberg, brother Wayne (Christy); and friends and neighbors. He loved Darlene Anderson's family as his own for 50 years. Predeceasing him were his mother, father, brother, and sister, all of cancer; and a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law.Myron was born June 23, 1942, to John M. and Marie Schober of Berlin, North Dakota. He attended Berlin and LaMoure schools, Wartburg College, and University of North Dakota pursuing education, religion, political science, and journalism, and began work in radio, television, and photojournalism.He and Darlene were married September 1, 1963, and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1966. He then enlisted in the Army Infantry, became a lieutenant after Officer Candidate School in Georgia, trained at the Defense Information School in Indianapolis, and served in San Francisco and the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He received three Bronze Stars (one for valor), two Purple Hearts, and other awards.In 1971, he returned to LaMoure to manage the local newspaper. He went to UND graduate school and then became a Farmers Union organizer, editor, and lobbyist in Denver, and six years later the secretary-manager of the Montana Farmers Union. In 1978, Myron and Darlene acquired the Tri-County Record in Rushford and operated it for 35 years, receiving scores of quality citations including the Frank Premack award, known as the Minnesota Pulitzer Prize.He was a member of the Society of Professional Journalists (president of the UND chapter and the Colorado state chapter), National Press Photographers' Association, the National Newspaper Association, and North Dakota and Minnesota Newspaper Associations (30-year member of its legislative committee.)Myron and Darlene have been grateful to Rushford-Peterson schools, church, and community for their livelihood and for nurturing their sons to adulthood.Myron eschewed public office because it is incompatible with independent newsgathering but aided or was a founder-director of the Rushford Area Business Association, Rushford Business Development Corporation, Rushford Area Society of the Arts, Rushford Historical Society, Rushford Community Foundation, Rushford Institute of Nanotechnology, and Trinity Fellowship of the ELCA. He was a member of Rushford Lions Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 911 of the Experimental Aircraft Owners Association, and Good Earth Village Outdoor Ministries. He was the source or promoter for AgFest, Creekside Park, Root River Trail, Rushford Depot restoration, and business holiday promotions.Myron returned to the Midwest because of its high value on truth, honesty, and justice. He said: "My life plan is simple--be good and do good . . . it's in the execution that the details get sticky."His remains will be cremated, and Hoff Funeral Home will assist with arrangements.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rushford Community Foundation (P.O. Box 671), Good Shepherd Lutheran Home (P.O. Box 747), First Presbyterian Church (P.O. Box 116), or Trinity Fellowship ELCA (P.O. Box 372), all of Rushford, MN 55971.Visitation will be held at Hoff Funeral Home on Friday, November 21, from 5-8 pm. Some of the wealth of Myron's writing and photos will be on display to tell his story even as he told our stories. A funeral service based on the theme "The Journey Continues" will be held at Hoff Funeral Home on Saturday, November 22, at 11 am with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Kristin Rice will lead the message. All are invited to participate. Celebration booklets will be available.