Donald Edward "Gus" Shoener

Donald Edward "Gus" Shoener, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He was 75.

Born Nov. 16, 1950, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, Gus was the son of Lucille (Coller) and Clifford Shoener. One of seven children, he graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968.

Gus served honorably for more than nine years, including tours in Korea and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1977 as a Staff Sergeant and earned several military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

His first jobs included delivering newspapers and assisting his father as a handyman. Over the years, Gus worked as a machinist and locksmith, was employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and owned a small business. He also attended Kellogg Community College.

Gus met Christine in 1980, and the two were married on July 25, 1981. Together they built a life centered on family and raised Andrew and Lisa. Gus was also the father of Kurt and Tim from a previous marriage.

A free spirit with deep Pennsylvania roots, Gus remained a devoted fan of his beloved Pennsylvania sports teams and knew how to have fun. He loved music, traveling with family, riding side-by-sides and snowmobiles up north, cooking, indoor gardening and spending time by the pool. He opened his home to friends and family and will be remembered for his independent streak, strong sense of humor and spirit of adventure.

He was deeply involved in the lives of his children, cheering them on at sporting events from youth leagues through high school. He also volunteered at bingo for Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Mary Shoener, Clifford "Junebug" Shoener Jr. and Debbie Martz.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Shoener; his children, Kurt, Tim, Andrew and Lisa; Andrew’s fiancée, Mary Smith; his siblings Butch, Sally and Dennis; along with numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends.

A military burial ceremony will be held on Wednesday July 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Helping Veterans of Southwest Michigan, 209 East Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, Michigan 49017, (https://vetshelpswmi.org/).

Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com