Schoenfelder, Eugene

Eugene Schoenfelder, of Pinehurst, died on Saturday, May 28, at his home. His beloved wife, Mary, originally of St. Andrews West, Ontario, Canada, preceded him in death. A visitation was held from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, May 31 at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Pinehurst on Wednesday June 1st, 2011 at 10AM. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. Mr. Schoenfelder was born in New York City on April 21, 1917. A graduate of Manhattan College, Gene served his country in World War as a Combat Engineer with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Division, US Marine Corps, seeing combat in six operations in the Pacific Theater of the Second World War, at times assigned to Marine Rangers and G2 (Intelligence). As a Major, he was awarded the Silver Star. As well, he was knighted by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, both awards for bravery under fire. He spent 2 one space½ years in combat, returning to the US, assigned to Washington, DC, to implement combat engineer training between the Marine Corps and the US Army. He worked with the same company his entire professional career. Early on, he spent five years living in Mexico with his young family. Later, he worked all over South America, Africa, Asia and Europe, as Vice President of the International Division initially for American Chicle Company, which was purchased by Warner Lambert Pharmaceuticals/American Optical, now known as Pfizer, Inc. He is survived by his son, Eugene Schoenfelder, Jr., of Pinehurst and his daughter, Cassie Willis of Southern Pines, his grandson Colin and granddaughter Kira, both of Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moore Regional Hospital Healing Garden: checks payable to: MRH Foundation (“Healing Garden”) in the memo line; 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.