By James Pruitt
The old township bell was tolled one time Jan. 5 as Sylvan Township Board of Trustees honored Don Schoenberg as its citizen of the year.
The award was presented posthumously because Schoenberg died Dec. 18, 2015 at age 87. His widow, Cheryl, accepted the award from Supervisor Scott Cooper.
Schoenberg was the unanimous choice of the board, Cooper said.
Schoenberg was a giving, family man, he said, and Schoenberg’s family was in attendance to accept the award.
“He did a lot for the community,” Cooper said. “The sad fact, as many of you know, is Don died … before we could award him. We are here tonight to offer it posthumously to the family.”
The award reads: “Sylvan Township Citizen of the Year award for outstanding contribution and exemplary community leadership, Don Schoenberg 2015.”
“Cheryl, thank you so much for bringing the family here this evening,” Cooper said while presenting the award to Cheryl Schoenberg, his widow. “On behalf of Sylvan Township we present to you with the Citizen of the Year award.”
Schoenberg served as supervisor from 1992-2000 and had been on the Board of Review for the past eight years. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as President of Church Council and Superintendent of Sunday School.
He was known as “Mr. Handyman,” as well as being a master woodcarver.
Sons Doug and Dale were in attendance.
“He was active in the township a long time,” Doug Schoenberg said. “He enjoyed interacting with people. He had a reputation for treating people fairly.”
Schoenberg’s pastor, Kathy Tulman, offered a prayer for Schoenberg.
“He was a terrific guy,” Jon Tulman, the pastor’s husband, said. “He was one of the most fair people around.”
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