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Margaret ‘Peggy’ Jean Schoening (Merriam)

b. January 15, 1928; d. October 23, 2018

Peggy Schoening went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at her home in Hayden, Idaho, at the age of 90. Margaret “Peggy” Jean Merriam was born on Jan. 15, 1928 to Bernice (Stewart) and William R. Merriam.

Peggy grew up on the family farm in Lake Geneva, Wis., along with her older brother, Don. She was a true “farmer’s daughter,” preferring to help with the farm work and animals. Horses were her favorite, but kittens, dogs and cattle were also loved. She flourished in both school and 4-H. When Peggy turned 14, the family moved to the Janesville, Wis., area to a new farm. Peggy attended high school in Janesville and graduated in 1945 with high grades, earning her a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She studied nursing for the next four years and graduated as an R.N. with a B.S. degree in nursing in 1949.

As a student nurse working in the university hospital, she had the occasion to meet a male student who was in the hospital with an illness. He must have been dashing and caught Peggy’s eye. This patient turned out to be her lifelong “patient” and partner. Peggy married Ralph Schoening on Oct. 21, 1950. They made their home in and around Racine, Wis., for the next 19 years, where they welcomed all five of their children- three daughters and two sons.

In 1953, Peggy and Ralph bought a 15-acre farm in Racine County and moved their family of four at the time to the country. Peggy thrived on the farm, growing a huge garden with lots of fresh vegetables that were shared with family and friends. She also helped her husband farm the fields. Her love of horses was passed down to her children and a few horses came to reside at the farm in the mid ’60s.

In 1969 Peggy supported Ralph’s decision to move the family to California on a bold new adventure. They opened a One Hour Martinizing store in Merced, Calif. After a few successful years, they bought another place in the country. This time, the 21 acres was turned into a paint horse ranch. Peggy’s dream of raising horses was coming true. She and Ralph and their two youngest daughters were immersed in the breeding, raising and showing of beautiful paint horses. Peggy continued to show prizewinning horses even after her daughters were grown and married.

The itch to leave California started nudging the empty nesters when friends described the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, area to them. They researched the area and visited. The lakes and fishing beckoned, and in 1995 it was time to retire. In December they moved to the Coeur d’Alene area and about a year later they bought their home in Hayden. Semiannual trips back to California to visit kids and grandkids were made each spring and fall for quite a few years. Peggy and Ralph became members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, in Hayden and made many dear friends. They were active in various ministries for many years.

Peggy’s world was turned upside down in 2009 when Ralph was diagnosed with cancer and would not survive the battle. He passed away in August of that year. Peggy elected to continue living in their home in Hayden, tending her gorgeous flowers and continuing to meet with friends and neighbors. Peggy’s health had started declining and a few years ago, her eldest daughter moved in to care for her. Peggy continued to enjoy watching the deer and squirrels in the field across the street. She brightened each visitor’s day with her bright and beautiful smile. As she battled dementia and heart ailments, her energy continued to fade until God mercifully took her home. Mom, we miss you and will forever remember all the wonderful moments you gave us through the years. You will remain in our hearts forever.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, brother and loving husband. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Alex) Barcelona of Hayden, Richard Schoening of Salem, Ore., Linda (John) Courtright of Escalon Calif., Heidi (C.J.) Gilzean of Shingle Springs, Calif., and Bill (Kari) Schoening of Danville, Calif.; sister-in-law, Barbara Merriam of Milton, Wis.; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene. Internment will be at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, Calif., where Peggy will be placed with her husband. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene. Online registry and tributes may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.