Cover photo for Terry Lee Schonlaw's Obituary
Terry Lee Schonlaw Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Terry Lee Schonlaw
1937 2023

Terry Lee Schonlaw

December 25, 1937 — April 12, 2023

Terry Lee Schonlaw, 85, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Midland Hospice House.

He was born December 25, 1937, in Roswell, New Mexico, the son of Richard and Francis Edwina (Horner) Schonlaw. He graduated from Satanta High School. Terry earned his Bachelor's Degree from Fort Hays State. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1961.

Terry and Dixie Lorraine Black became sweethearts after high school and married on November 12, 1961. They were proud parents to three children, Kayla, Lisa and Mark. Dixie preceded Terry in death on April 16, 1985.

He worked in Hospital Management and later worked as an Insurance Salesman. He retired in 2004.

Terry was a man with a contagious, friendly smile. He enjoyed watching all sports and was a supporter of all Kansas teams and the Kansas City Chiefs.
At the young age of 50, Terry was introduced to snow skiing by his good friend, Fred. He continued to ski for the next 25 years and was very happy that he was able to enjoy this with his family and friends. Terry enjoyed Mexican food and dancing. He thought asking a woman to dance was like selling insurance, after asking, someone would eventually say yes.

He was a member of the Topeka Ski Club, bowled in various leagues, played senior league softball and competed in the Senior Olympics for Bowling and Pickleball. Terry volunteered at Stormont Vail Hospital. He enjoyed attending Fellowship Bible Church and being a part of a Bible study group.

Terry leaves behind his children, Kayla Schonlaw-Lorson, Lisa (Chris) Bagshaw and Mark (Michelle) Schonlaw and nine grandchildren, Kevin, Caitlin, Austin, Beth, Sophie, Haley, Stevi, Conner and Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Gary E. Schonlaw and Janice Weber.

His family invites you to a memorial celebration on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. Terry will be laid to rest with his wife at Dudley Township Cemetery in Satanta on a later date. In his honor, memorial contributions may be made to Capper Foundation 3500 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604, the American Cancer Society, PO Box 171335, Kansas City, KS 66117 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

To leave a message for Terry's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Terry Lee Schonlaw, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, April 22, 2023

4:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)

Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel

1321 Southwest 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604

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Guestbook

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