Truan Louise (Van Ness) Schonauer, September 9, 1937 - February 2, 2023

Truan Schonauer, 85, of Comstock went through the Gates of Eden the evening of February 2, 2023 at the HSHS Sacred Heart hospital in Eau Claire according to her wishes for end of life. Truan was born on September 27, 1937, in St. Paul, MN to Orville and Louise Van Ness. She was raised with two brothers, David and Tim, on the east side of St. Paul where she graduated from Harding High School in 1955.

Truan was a St. Paul Winter Carnival princess representing Commonwealth Electric where she worked as a receptionist. Here she met her first husband, Roger Nelson, father of her four children.

Truan lived for many years in Stillwater, MN, where she was very active in the community, leading Girl Scouts, assisting with the coordination of the town’s annual Lumberjack Days celebrations, and working in the school system. She and her family were active members of the United Methodist church. Truan’s children remember her enthusiasm as a fun and creative mother. Their memories include her home-made elaborate costumes worn in parades, decorating their yard for Halloween, and the many gatherings and parties held in their Stillwater home.

Truan moved to Turtle Lake, WI, and married Manfred in 1980. She wrote a humorous column, “Tossed Salad”, for the Turtle Lake Times and directed plays for a local 4-H club.

In 1987 Manfred and Truan moved to an old country schoolhouse near Comstock, WI, to transform it into a musical destination for the area known as The Pipe Dream Center. The PDC provided an opportunity for her artistic talents to flourish. Truan’s always unique, beautiful, and often sentimental stage sets added a touch of flair to Manfred’s electronic music concerts. She was a gracious hostess during monthly concerts and Boogie Nights at the PDC. Guests could count on a good laugh, a bite to eat and every so often, hearing Truan recite one of her signature poems from the stage.

Truan’s craving to design and create spilled over to jewelry making, much of which was intricate beadwork and her one-of-a-kind birdhouses were legendary. Truan’s talent for art reached far and wide: purses made from cigar boxes, seasonal wreaths, cards, Christmas ornaments and more. Truan gave away much of her art to guests, relatives and friends. A home-made creation from Truan was always a true treasure.

Her family will remember her for great cooking, creativity, generosity, kindness to animals, and warm heart. She was an ear to many and provided levity through a good story when needed.

Truan was preceded in death by her parents; brother David Van Ness (Faye). Survived by her spouse, Manfred Schonauer; her brother Tim Van Ness (Nancy); daughter Wendy Yoakum (Mort) of Moran, WY; daughter Penny Willis (David) of Lino Lakes, MN; son Brent Nelson (Shelli) of Bloomington, MN; son Brian Nelson (Laura) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Vanessa, Bethany, and Connor.

Manfred’s music composition “Gate of Eden” guided her safely on her final journey. A celebration of life will be held at the Pipe Dream Center later this spring.

Last Update: Feb 13, 2023 12:51 pm CST