Catherine E SCHOENMANN

Jun. 20, 1916 - Apr. 14, 2006

Catherine was born on June 20, 1916, near Worthing, SD to Benjamin and Vinnie (Carey) Schoenmann. After graduation from Worthing Public School and Sioux Falls College in 1936, she was employed as a teacher in Colton, SD and was high school librarian in Vermillion and Watertown, SD. She was a member of the Washington high school faculty where she not only taught classes but was involved with the drama program. In 1945 she received her graduate degree in library science from the University of Denver. She did graduate work in education at the University of Minnesota. She began her 36-year career with the Sioux Falls Public Library in 1945 as reference Librarian and in 1960 she served as Young Peoples' librarian. While in this position, she established a separate service for teenagers and worked continuously with high school authorities in formulating a policy for teaching students to do research in the public library. She became director of the library in 1966 and retired in 1981. Catherine played a key role in planning and developing the new Sioux Falls Public Library which was opened in 1972. While at the library, Miss Schoenmann established an environment that fostered a lasting appreciation for casual reading, serious study or a exploration into local heritage. Miss Schoenmann was prime mover into the computer age. Miss Schoenmann was instrumental in establishing the Caille library in southwest Sioux Falls. Catherine endowed the University of Sioux Falls with resources to establish a multipurpose room in Glidden Hall. Florence Muller reflects the thoughts of Catherine's co-workers when she states, "In 20 years of working with Catherine I saw a steady enrichment of the cultural climate of Sioux Falls…Catherine demands perfection of herself and expects excellence from her staff. She has a talent for choosing workers whose abilities compliment each others' and who can work together harmoniously. Then with encouragement and appreciation she keeps them a winning team." Upon her retirement Friday, June 26, 1981 was proclaimed "Catherine Schoenmann Day" by Gov. William Janklow and Sioux Falls Mayor, Rick Knobe. Miss Schoenmann was active in library professional organizations, serving for 10 years as the American Library Association counselor of the South Dakota Library Association, serving as secretary from 1956-1958. She was also very active in the Mountain Plains Library Association. She was voted South Dakota Librarian of the Year in 1980. In 1978, her role as administrator was recognized when she received the V.L. Crusinberry Award for "service by a city employee who displays outstanding ability, leadership, dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty." Sioux Falls College presented her its Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981 for her "contributions to community, nation and profession." Miss Schoenmann was a member of the First Baptist Church and belonged to the City of Sioux Falls Management Association, the Community Playhouse, Order of the Eastern Star, Knife & Fork Club and the Sioux Falls Altrusa Club. Upon her retirement in 1981, Helen Frank, Miss Schoenmann's neighbor for over 30 years stated, "You watched our children grow up, from toddlers through teenagers and into adulthood. You showed your pride in each of their achievements and shared in their confirmation and graduation celebrations…You tolerated, with much graciousness, our kids and our cats and our dogs over the years. Actually, I know that you did more than tolerate them. You loved them!" She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Coila Janecek. She is survived by her brother-in-law, K.L. Janecek, Fargo, ND; her niece, Kate Janecek, Fargo; her nephew, Benjamin Janecek, Santa Rosa, CA; her great niece, Lyska Janecek, Austin, TX and great nephew, Benjamin Turner, Louisville, KY.

Photo & research by Gene Hammerstrom
Used with permission

Contributed on 1/21/12 by revilo
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Record #: 146984

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