Daniel Fitzgerald Schoeninger, 61, of Rock River, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He left this world surrounded by the deepest love, with his wife, Paula, by his side.

Dan was born on February 25, 1964, in Denver, Colorado, to John and Sharon Schoeninger. He spent his childhood in both Denver and Fort Collins, attended Poudre High School, and eventually became the owner and operator of Shindo Bro’s Trucking, a career he dedicated himself to until retiring in 2005.

Dan was one of those rare people whose presence made life feel steadier. He had a calming way about him that was not loud, not flashy, just a quiet, grounded goodness that drew people and animals alike. He loved the outdoors with a passion that shaped nearly every season of his life. Fishing, camping, and long days and nights on the lake were where he felt most himself. Those who spent time with him there know the feeling of sitting beside him in complete peace, listening to his stories or simply watching the water ripple under the boat. If you knew Dan, you have a lake story, because the lake was his second home.

Dan understood animals almost instinctively. Even the tiniest critters trusted him, and he treated them with a gentleness that showed who he was at his core. He loved his dogs fiercely and will no doubt be overjoyed to be reunited with his beloved Cherokee, one of his truest companions. He loved animals but he didn’t necessarily love the idea of riding a horse. For that, he preferred anything with a motor. He loved motorcycles, Dodge trucks, and especially his GTO. If it rumbled, roared, or moved fast, he was all in.

Dan also had a deep love for sports, especially when it came to his grandchildren. He cheered for every girl on the team, not just his own. His message was always the same: “I believe in you.” Those four words carried more weight than he ever realized, lifting the spirits of everyone who heard them.

He was a man of unwavering values who was loyal, steady, and unafraid to stand up for what was right. His integrity wasn’t something he talked about; it was something he lived. He was the kind of friend people depended on, the kind of family member you were proud to have, and the kind of person whose absence leaves the world feeling noticeably emptier.

His absence leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his legacy lives on in the love he had for nature, the loyalty he showed, the steady way he walked through life, the memories made on lakes and mountains and dirt roads, the laughter he brought to others, and the quiet belief he instilled in those he loved.

Dan is survived by his wife, Paula of Rock River, Wyoming; his children, Stacey Brown of Mitchell, Nebraska, Jesse James of Rock River, Wyoming, Pamela (Daniel) Rodriguez of Englewood, Colorado, and Krystal Metcalf of Rock River, Wyoming; his brother, John (Deanna) Schoeninger of Fort Collins, Colorado; and his sisters, Alicia Viney of Fort Collins and Linda Blakley of Post Falls, Idaho.

He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Trey, Billie, Dakota, Savannah (Antonio), Aaron, Nevaeh, Braydon, Paige, Jasper, Gemma, and Penelope; his great-grandchildren, Carter, Hunter, Charlie, Cash, Onyx, and Brenden; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. A special honorable mention goes to Elena, Donny, and Cynthia Hughes, who held meaningful places in his life.

Preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Schoeninger-Viney; his father, John Schoeninger; his grandparents, Henry and Natile Brownlee and Leo and Catherine Schoeninger; and his grandson, Joshua Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at:

American Legion Post 161

6230 W 60th Ave

Arvada, CO 80003