Spotted near the Madras Airport was this unique antique road grader that contains a plaque in front that reads:
Harold passed away in 2011. I was able to locate an obituary online that reads:
Madras resident Harold V. "Chuck" Schonneker, 72, died Feb. 25, 2011, at his home, with his wife Beverly and caregiver Jodi Huskey by his side.
He was born to John J. and Violet (Starr) Schonneker in Ashland, on Jan. 29, 1939. He lived on the family ranch in Culver and attended Culver schools all 12 years, graduating in 1958.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Bayfield, a transport ship, from 1958 to 1962.
On Jan. 5, 1962, he married the love of his life, Beverly Schumann, in Everett, Wash.
Mr. Schonneker worked some years for Deschutes Valley Water District, then was hired by North Unit Irrigation District, where he worked for the next 37 years. He started as a ditch rider and steadily progressed to where he managed the district for the last 17 years, retiring in 2008.
His passions in life were his family, his job, and his crew (including the office force). He was thoughtful and fair in his decisions, and he respected and helped the farmers in his district. He will be well remembered for his sense of humor and his hearty laugh.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Beverly Schonneker of Madras; sons Kurtis and wife Katy Schonneker of Culver, and Marcus and wife Melissa Schonneker of Madras; his stepmother of 65 years, Theo M. Schonneker of Culver; grandchildren Denton, Lynze and Dalton Schonneker, Austin and Cassidy Brown and Stephanie Haynes; sisters, Sharon and brother-in-law Ken Belleisle, and Lisa and brother-in-law Loren Van Swoll; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 5, at the Culver Christian Church, with arrangements under the direction of Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home.
Memorials have been suggested to Culver Christian Church, P.O. Box 87, Culver, OR 97734 or Mountain View Hospital Hospice, 470 A St. Madras, OR 97741.