AnnaMae Schoenbaum, 89, of Moro, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at her residence with her family by her side.
She was born in Midway, IL, the daughter of Henry and Wilhemina "Minnie" (Henke) Kruse, Sr. on September 15, 1935. AnnaMae married Hilmer Schoenbaum on May 10, 1952, in Midway, at St. John's Evangelical Church. He preceded her in death on August 14, 2024.
AnnaMae was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto for 70 years, after being a former member of St. John's in Midway. She worked numerous jobs including a cook for Meadowbrook School in the Bethalto School District for 17 years, until her retirement in 2002. Her favorite job was being a farmer's wife. She was a feisty social butterfly and loved to talk. She loved to travel with her family, as they were her everything. Dancing with Hilmer was another favorite thing of hers. Some other hobbies she enjoyed were cutting the grass, quilting, and playing cards.
Surviving her are her children, Kathy Louise (Daniel) Gruen of Walshville, IL, Jeanne Diane (Pat) Cooper of Worden, IL, and Franklin Hilmer (Ann) Schoenbaum of Moro, IL; six grandchildren, Sam (Nathan) Hunt, Nicholaus (Shauna) Cooper, Sydney (Amir) Afshar, Sarah (Russell) May, Kelsey (Timothy) Watters, and Amanda (Timur Boyd) Schoenbaum; 14 great-grandchildren, Isis Cooper, Izac Cooper, Savanna Hunt, Brayden Hunt, Raylan Hunt, Lilly Hunt, Sylas Hunt, Ellyott Hunt, Jayda Hunt, Zachary Afshar, Dixie Afshar, Liam May, Aurora May, and Artemas May; a sister, Shirley (Cecil) Thomason of Bismark, AR; and a brother, Donald (Nancy) Kruse of Moro, IL.
Along with her parents, and husband, Hilmer, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Elaine Schoenbaum; a grandson, Zachary Cooper; a great-granddaughter, Winry A. May; and siblings, Dorothy Gvillo, Henry Kruse, Jr., and Floyd Kruse.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 9:30 until time of service at 11 am, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. Pastor Kale Hanson and Pastor Brandon Metcalf will officiate. After cremation rites are accorded, a private inurnment will be held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is assisting the family with final wishes.
Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church and/or Zion Lutheran School.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
