August F. Buster Schonenberger, 90

August F. Buster Schonenberger, 90, passed away Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home. Buster was born Oct. 10, 1920, on the Jules Wenger Ranch in Jackson. He was the third of 12 children born to Fritz and Marguerite (Wenger) Schonenberger. At the age of 13 he left home to work as a ranch hand; at age 21 he enlisted in the 1st Cavalry Division of the Army during World War II. He served in the Philippines, and helped to liberate a large prison in Manila that held nearly 4,000 prisoners, most of whom were Americans. He was decorated with the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and various campaign medals. When he got out of the service, he went to work for the local ranchers in the Big Hole area for a month. He loved the rodeo life and rode bareback and saddle broncs before and after going in the service and, as he said, He was a pretty darned good hand. He quit riding broncs in 1956. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He started mining when he was 26. He mined seven years in Butte, and then worked at various mines ranging from the Arctic Circle to Arizona, even mining several years in the Flathead mines. In 2003, at a ceremony for World War II veterans, Buster received his honorary high school diploma. The family would lovingly tease him that most of his grandchildren graduated from high school before he did. Buster resided at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home for the past several years. He enjoyed living there, walking around the grounds, watching the river roll by, and seeing the roses that grew under his window. He enjoyed the friendship of all the staff and all their teasing and loving kindness. They were so wonderful, especially in his last days. Thank you. He celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by his family and friends. He made this a goal, to get to 90, and have his birthday party. Then he went home to be with the Lord and his loved ones that preceded him. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Krauss, and husband Roger, of Kalispell, and their sons, Shawn and Justin; his daughter, Verna Ivory, and husband Gary, and their daughters, Allicia Harold and husband Rob, Melissa Weckworth, Lisa Diaz and husband Joel, and Danielle Tidwell; and five great-grandchildren. Buster is also survived by five sisters, Helen Barringer of Hamilton, Wash., Martha Taylor and husband Corky of Wenatchee, Wash., Yvonne Tuss and husband Toni of Lewistown, Paula Olsen of Chewelah, Wash., and Shirley Marvin and her husband Charles of Kalispell. He is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Buster will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at the Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell, with military honors to follow services at the church. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Buster s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Buster s guest book, offer condolences and share memories