Clark Schoonover served on boards but was not boring

Clark Albert Schoonover, 71, of South Beloit, IL, passed away in his home on April 2, 2025, surrounded by his family. Clark was born on April 6, 1953, in Madison, WI; the son of Vernon and Myrtle (Rhead) Schoonover. He married the love of his life, Alice C. Koch, on October 25, 1975, at the First Methodist Church in Beloit. He worked for Sundstrand as an engineering testing technician, retiring January 1, 2021.

Clark never let the grass grow beneath his feet. He kept busy with his family and was very involved in his community. He was on the board for the South Beloit Library, Macktown Living History, and Police & Fire Commission. He was a past board president of Rock Energy, a member of the Beloit Rifle Club, South Beloit Businessman’s Association, and volunteered for the South Beloit Fire Department. Clark was a small business owner. He operated Shade Tree Cycles in Beloit. He was also a union representative for Sundstrand.

Clark had many hobbies as well. He flew model airplanes, hunted deer, worked wood, and participated in 1771 reenactments. He collected vintage woodworking and hand tools and hats. He made hard apple cider, enjoyed camping, riding motorcycles, and was a musician, playing the dulcimer and the guitar. Clark and Alice had a Chevy SSR that they enjoyed riding in. Their license plate was “Big Grin” because they always had big grins on their faces while on their drives. Clark was known as “Mr. Fix-it” because he could fix anything. He was a very smart man, a life-long learner, and was curious of many things. Clark was Alice’s caretaker. He did everything he could to make sure she was taken care of. He was a wonderful father to his two sons and a father figure to many. He was also a loving Opa to his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of almost 50 years, Alice C. Schoonover; sons Victor (Jennifer Wilz) Schoonover and Brent (Nicole) Schoonover; grandchildren Josie, Henry, and Millie; sister Sue (Richard) Hansen; many nieces and nephews; and close friends. He is predeceased by his parents Vernon and Myrtle; in-laws Hilbert and Jane Koch; brother Duane Schoonover; and his precious bulldogs Muggsy, Clyde, and Penny.

The Schoonover family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Clark’s visitors, supporters, prayer warriors, and people that provided food and monetary donations; Beloit Regional Hospice for their care and compassion, especially Shannon, Jessica, and Jen; and to the board of Rock Energy for being like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 3 pm, Sunday, April 27, 2025, with a service at 1:30 pm at the South Beloit Businessman’s Hall, 535 Washington St. South Beloit, IL 61080. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for a memorial to be established in Clark’s name. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111.