Emil Richard Schoenrock was the first child born to German immigrants, Emil and Lydia (Gellert) Schoenrock on the family farm in Martinsburg, Nebraska on August 23, 1933. He joined the US Navy right out of high school, and served for four years in the Pacific.  After a few odd jobs, h joined the US Air Force in the missile maintenance program.  While on leave back home in Nebraska, he stole the heart of Bonnie Watson, and they were married on May 20, 1957.

Their first station was in Orlando, Florida, where son Randall was born. They were stationed at Sembach, Germany from 1959 to 1962, where they added daughter Rhonda to the family.  Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Emil started playing country music in Germany.

In 1962, the family moved to Ellsworth, SD. Emil was shop chief of the 44th Missile Maintenance Squadron, and he built Western Trailer Court in Box Elder.  Daughter Rene joined the family in 1965.  Emil formed the Playboys Plus One, and with Bonnie on the bass guitar, they played throughout western South Dakota.  Emil's favorite place was on stage, picking his Fender Jaguar guitar; he loved entertaining people!

When Emil retired from the military in October, 1972, he started his second career as a cabinet builder, establishing The Schrunk Shop. After 30 years of sawdust and splinters, he hung up his hammer and bought a motor home.  He and Bonnie travelled the country, enjoying the winters throughout the south.  They loved meeting new friends and playing music at Samborees and country music festivals.

Emil was diagnosed with cancer and died at home on Bogus Jim Road, surrounded by family, on October 13, 2017. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Bonnie; son, Randall (Jacki) Schoenrock; daughters Rhonda Ward and Rene (Jeff) Ivers; granddaughter, Scarlett O'Malley; grandsons, Levi Schoenrock, Sawyer Schoenrock, and Austin Young; brother, Ray (Bev) Schoenrock; brother-in-law, Jerry Burcham; many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery. The family invites all friends to gather at the VFW Post 1273, 420 W. Main in Rapid City at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 27, 2017 for a time of food and fellowship.