Klaus-Dieter Kurt Schoening, Sr., 81, of Simpsonville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his family.
Born in Schlesien, Germany he was the son of the late Kurt and Maria Steiner Schoening. He is predeceased by his sister, Babel Steiner. He was a 1964 graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, SC. Klaus was a retired US Army Captain with the 25th INF DIV, 1967-68 and Vietnamese ABN DIV TM 162, 1969-70. He served in Vietnam at Saigon and Cu Chi where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medal. After his military career, he received his master’s from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix Arizona. In the late 70’s, Klaus started his financial career at Merrill Lynch and continued working right until his illness at Trustmont Financial Group as a Wealth Advisor.
Mr. Schoening, Sr. was a member of Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Simpsonville, SC and was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin, SC. Klaus was a long-standing member and President of the Mauldin Rotary International Club, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and was actively involved in his community. He coached soccer for 45+ years with his son and his grandchildren at Mauldin Recreational and Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. Klaus had a great sense of humor. He was quick witted, loved German food, and relaxing on the beach with his family while having a cold beer. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, attending every family sporting event, and walking his dog Max in their neighborhood where everyone knew them. During football season, he rooted on the “Real Bulldogs” and always loved watching any soccer match.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carol Schoening, son, Klaus Schoening Jr (Susan); granddaughters, Ashton Koss (Brian), Karson Childers, Lauren McDougall (Ricky), and Hannah Kovarick (Anthony); grandson, Dieter Schoening; great-grandson, Aidan Koss, and River Koss; great-granddaughters, Clare Koss, and Hadley McDougall; brother, Norbert Steiner; sister, Regina Steiner; his extended family from Charleston which includes many nieces and nephews.
Klaus “Grampy” had a servant heart and always went above and beyond his call of duty for his family, friends, and community. He was one-of-a-kind and like a father to so many. He always made everyone smile and laugh in any circumstance and was always there when you needed him. He was a true Patriot and lived the American Dream. He will be missed dearly by everyone.
A Visitation will be held Sunday, November 26, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast. The Funeral Service will be Monday, November 27, 2023 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast. Following the service, burial will be at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery at 140 Inway Dr, Anderson, SC 29621.