Delbert John Schoephoerster

1929 - 2020

Delbert (Del) John Schoephoerster

Phoenix - After 91 incredible years on this earth, Delbert (Del) John Schoephoerster died peacefully of natural causes on Sunday, December 13 surrounded by loved ones at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. Born February 25, 1929 in Porter, Minnesota to Ida Schultz and Elmer Schoephoerster he was the second of 6 boys: Dale, Del, Merle, Harold, Ralph and Roy. The Schoephoerster Boys were legend for their honesty, kindness, hard work and humor. Growing up in frigid North Dakota, when Del stepped off the plane in Phoenix in December 1956 for a job interview at Goodyear Aerospace, he knew Phoenix was the place for him. Shortly after moving to the land of sun and citrus, he met the love of his life, Helen, on a blind date. They were married on December 27, 1958, and lived an amazing, full, and loving life together for nearly 62 years.

Born during the Depression, hard work was a lifestyle for Del. He worked his way through college at North Dakota State University where he graduated with honors with a degree in electrical engineering. He was part of a group of pioneers in the field of radio and satellite engineering and dedicated 35 years of his career to Goodyear Aerospace, now Loral Space & Communications. Much of the technology we enjoy today, we know we owe in some part to this group of esteemed men.

He was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church for 60 years where he and Helen were founding members of All Saints Episcoal Day School. He was a life-long avid reader, especially of history, and loved exploring our world through travel especially with friends and loved ones. He was known for his playful pranks, good nature, love of animals (especially dogs), and incredible athleticism in his younger days. A gentle, just, intelligent, and compassionate man beyond measure, he was respected and loved by truly all.

Del was the last of The Schoephoerster Boys to leave this earth, and while many mourn his earthly absence, we rejoice in the reunion of the boys at last. He is survived by wife, Helen, and daughters Susie and Gwen, their respective spouses Bill Hunter and David Ficklin, adoring grandchildren Chloe, Charley, Nicole and Ryan, and countless nieces and nephews.

A private funeral ceremony will be held Friday, December 18 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Phoenix, Arizona. His ashes will be committed in the All Saints Close Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made online at www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Visit hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.