Melvin August Schoneweis

Melvin August “Bud” Schoneweis, 87, of Petersburg, Il passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg. He was born on August 2, 1936, in Springfield, IL to Harvey and Juhl (Woodrum) Schoneweis. He married Suzanne Rieken on June 19, 1955, in Pleasant Plains, IL. Bud is survived by his wife, Suzanne of Petersburg; his children, Renee (Greg) Tope of Serasota, FL, Jeffrey (Wanda) Schoneweis of Tallula; grandchildren, Michelle Suzanne Baraga, Brian (Rachel) Baraga, Gregory Cody (Angelina) Tope, Amelia Grace Schoneweis, Lillian Lane Schoneweis; great grandchildren, Isabel Ailee and Weston August Baraga; and one sister, Marilyn Garren (Donald) Fugate. He was preceded in death by one son, Gregory S. Schoneweis; and a sister, Donna May Curtis. Bud was a graduate of Tallula High School. He was a member of the Tallula Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he held many offices over the years. Bud also served on the PORTA School Board during construction of the new high school and promoted the building of the PORTA pool and auditorium. Bud was a man of many talents and as a young boy began singing. He excelled in singing all throughout his school years and was later a member of the Menard County Singers. Bud was a cattle feeder and farmer all his life. He farmed in Central Illinois all his life which he thoroughly enjoyed. One of the the things that made him happiest in life was sharing the sweet corn he harvested with his friends, family, and community. He enjoyed golfing at Virginia Country Club with his friends from Cass County and enjoyed participating in many late night card games with them, and dinners with his friends. Bud's love for horses began as a child and the passion continued as he became a member of the US Trotting Association, as well as the Illinois Harness Horsemen Association. In 2003, he began a new adventure with his sister-in-law Carol Rieken in harness racing and later with a friend and co-owner, Lyle E. Lipe. He always enjoyed watching his own horses (especially Fox Valley Langley) compete, particularly when they won. A visitation will be held for Bud on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, IL. Additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Tallula Christian Church in Tallula, IL with a funeral service following at 11:00 AM. Pastor James Pohl will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains, IL. Memorials may be made to the PORTA Foundation or the Simmons Cancer Institute SIU in Springfield. The family would like to invite everyone to attend a luncheon and celebration of life at Indian Creek Farmstead located at 19468 Curtis Black Top Rd, Petersburg, IL 62675, following the services from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Melvin August Schoneweis

August 2, 1936 - September 29, 2023

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