William J. Schoeben
William J. Schoeben
Marshalltown
William Joseph Schoeben passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Bill was born in Charles City, IA on March 27, 1946 to parents Ray and Geraldine. Growing up in Cedar Rapids, he attended All Saints Catholic School and was a proud graduate of Regis High School Class of ’64. Bill attended the University of Iowa before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. He referred to his time in Vietnam as his “longest campout” lasting 11 months and 16 days. Wounded in combat, Bill was awarded the Purple Heart for his courageous service. Bill remained in contact with his Marine brothers, and was true to the Corps throughout his life. Bill resumed his college studies, graduating from the University of Iowa in 1971 with a BBA degree in marketing.
Bill was an entrepreneur and successful businessman. In 1986 Bill joined with six partners in forming Galt Sand which became a popular college apparel brand throughout the United States. He was awarded the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1990 for his role in the development of Galt Sand. Bill went on to create Direct Impulse Design in 1996 and remained the fearless leader of the company for twenty years. Bill profoundly touched the lives of coworkers, business associates, and the many people he encountered in life.
Bill was passionate about all sports and was an avid Hawkeyes fan. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, skiing and sailing. Music was one of Bill’s obsessions – always listening and collecting music, attending concerts and drumming to classic rock, jazz and blues on his DW’s. He traveled extensively and relished road trips. Planning adventures to fish and golf, visit museums, casinos, racetracks and orchards were always in the works.
Bill was a voracious reader of classic books and current publications. He possessed an uncanny ability to recite quotes from books he had read years ago. Bill was incredibly knowledgeable and loved good conversation. He was a man of great strength; that strength was evident throughout his entire life.
Animals and especially his pets – Homer, Jefferson, Sigmund and Roxy held a special spot in Bill’s heart.
In 2016 Bill suffered a stroke that left him challenged physically. In spite of this, he never lost his zest for living or his hope in recovering. He continued to impact the lives of those that surrounded him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Ann.
Bill is survived by his wife Barbara, brother James Schoeben (Nancy), brother and sister-in-law Sid and Trecie Bolton and Rebecca and Brad Smith, many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and -nephews.
A heartfelt thank-you to the staff and volunteers of Iowa Veterans Home, especially the team on Dack 3 and Iowa River Hospice, whose loving care and respect of Bill will be forever remembered. A very special thank-you to Bill’s “Sister Rita” Mary Claire, in bringing faith and joy into Bill’s final months.
A funeral mass officiated by Rev. Kyle Tietz will be held Thursday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass.
A private burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery with Marine Corps Honors.
Memorials may be directed to St. Pius X in Cedar Rapids and Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown.