Jeffrey John Schoen, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully in his home on July 15th. Jeff was born on March 4, 1958 as the third child to Dorthy (Johnson) and Marvin Schoen in Fairbury, Nebraska.
Jeff grew up on the family acreage where he developed a love and knowledge of the land and outdoors. After graduating from Fairbury High School in 1976, Jeff moved to Lincoln and attended the University of Nebraska where he studied business. He soon started a career at Nebraska Book Company where he worked until his retirement. From 1985 – 1994, Jeff and Lesa Griess were married. They lovingly welcomed son Parker John in 1992. During Jeff’s tenure at Nebraska Book Company, he traveled to many college towns including one of his favorite stops at the University of Oregon in Eugene.
At work, Jeff was nicknamed “Spooner” because of his thin and concave frame. With his colleagues, he developed tight bonds that lasted for multiple decades. Rosie’s South was a favorite spot for Jeff to meet work friends and new friends as well. For those who knew him best, he will be remembered for his quick laugh and mischievous smile.
In his spare time, Jeff loved cooking for crowds. His famous ribs were requested and enjoyed at countless parties and celebrations. Each summer, Jeff’s passion was his backyard garden and he was proud to share his tomatoes, peppers, and more. His nieces can’t remember a family get together where Jeff didn’t eat more than anyone else from the veggie tray, especially radishes and spring onions.
Another passion for Jeff was definitely cars, or anything with wheels and an engine. He loved driving his corvettes and his truck. Since his passing, loved ones have enjoyed remembering Jeff with funny stories from happy times. Jeff will be missed tremendously and while we cherish the memories of the past, we wish we could have been blessed with more time together. As a family, we want to share what we have learned from Jeff’s life which is to say what needs to be said while you can.
Jeff is survived by his son, Parker, sister Cheryl and brother-in-law Jim Swartz; brother Gary and sister-in-law Kathy Schoen. Nieces Stephanie Jeffers, Shelley Swartz, Angie Kullbom, Kairi Prososki, and Erin Schoen along with numerous cousins and friends.
Preceding Jeff in death were his parents Dorthy Schoen and Marvin and Marge Schoen; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at Rosie’s South on Saturday, July 29th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Jeff will be laid to rest at East Gladstone Cemetery during a private family burial.
Condolences online at Roperandsons.com
Services
Celebration of Life
1:00 pm-3:00 pm CST
Rosie’s South
1501 Center Park Rd., Lincoln, Nebraska
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I started at Nebraska Book Company rather late in the scheme of things(2010). I was a smoker then, and Spoon and I had an immediate rapport and many laughs on the ‘smoking veranda’. He was consistently himself on a daily basis- I can’t remember him being too up or too down. We shared many laughs over the years, and I will always treasure the way he adjusted his jacket after making a salient point. Mischievous grin, indeed! …and those bright red running shoes(GBR!). So long, pal o’ mine…
– Dean Sack
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