August Henry Schoeneshoefer

Bud passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

He was born in Olivette, Missouri to August and Catherine Schoeneshoefer and was one of four children; Bedilia, Lawrence, and Robert. He was raised on a truck (vegetable) farm during The Great Depression.

After high school, he became an A&P mechanic and was hired by American Airlines where he worked for 45 years.

Bud enlisted in the Army during WWII where he worked on a top-secret project called the Brodie Project. After the war, he returned to American Airlines and became a flight engineer, based in Los Angeles. While there, he built his first home in Rolling Hills and fell in love and married stewardess, Jill Nicholson.

Jill and Bud moved to Petaluma in 1965 where he built his dream home with the help of his friend, Angelo Conte. His workshop was his favorite place where his friends would gather to fix and build things, talk or just have a beer and solve the world’s problems.

He spent his early years, when not working, riding horses in rodeos, cattle drives, and learning to make meticulously crafted furniture. In later years, he would find time to coach Craig’s baseball teams and attend all the sporting events his children participated in. When an opportunity arose to start a flying club with fellow pilots, he jumped at the chance. He loved all things mechanical so he was a thorough mechanic for the club and loved flying friends and family around the area. He was awarded the FAA’s Charles Taylor Award for over 50 years of active, incident-free maintenance.

Bud raised sheep and canned fruits and vegetables that he grew on his property. His pies were legendary. He will always be known for his kindness and the generosity of his time to help anyone in need.

His wife, Jill of 47 years preceded him in death. He is survived by their three children; Kellie D’Arcy (John), Lisa Miali (Butch), and Craig (Debbie), and his treasured grandchildren, Lauren Schoeneshoefer, Meaghan D’Arcy, Justin Miali (Ashley), Noah, Luke and Zach Miali, Jackson and Justin. He is also survived by his best friend and brother, Robert “Bob” Schoeneshoefer.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Petaluma Hospice, address (416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94954).