Anton Edward “Tony” Schoonen
Tony died October 22, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.
On April 12, 1930, Tony was born the ninth of ten children to John and Annie Schoonen at their homestead near Hinsdale, Montana. At the age of six months, he and six of his siblings were placed in the Montana State Orphanage in Twin Bridges. For the next thirteen years Tony lived and worked at the orphanage until he moved to the nearby Seidensticker ranch as a hired hand. While at the ranch he spent countless hours fishing and hunting – thus began his lifelong love of the Big Hole River.
Tony attended school in Twin Bridges but dropped out his junior year. He was very proud that he later returned and finished high school.
After graduating, he volunteered for the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Germany where he loved to remind us of the wonderful food and beer the Germans offered. He was honorably discharged and returned to the Seidensticker ranch as a hired hand and soon realized that higher education would be his path to success.
As so many other of his generation Tony had access to the GI Bill and attended Montana State University graduating with a B.S. in Agriculture Education. Graduate studies took him to Western Montana College where he received his Masters of Science in Education.
During college, Tony worked on ranches throughout the Dillon area. He also worked in Alaska on the railroad and a tug boat. The summer of 1957 drew him to the Bob Marshall Wilderness as a paid research assistant on an elk study. This experience sparked his love for the mountains and wild places. He treasured this time and often talked of his adventures.
Tony was hired as a Principal/teacher in Cardwell. It was here that he started a fishing guide business on the Big Hole and Jefferson becoming one of the earliest licensed fishing guides in Montana.
In 1960 he met the MSU County Extension Agent, Margaret Ann Kuhl at a friend’s house. She was beautiful, smart, successful, and he knew she was the one. That summer he proposed to her on a pack trip in the Bob Marshall. His lovely Irish lass said yes, and they were married on December 27, 1960.
Tony and Margaret settled in Whitehall where he was the elementary principal. They had four children in the next six years.
Tony was hired as a principal in Butte in fall 1969. Butte became their permanent home, and it was here that they raised their family and became ingrained in the community.
Tony was a devout Catholic and Democrat, a strong supporter of education, and a life-long advocate of public access to public land and waters. His work in conservation is well-known throughout Montana and has positively influenced other parts of the country.
Tony received numerous awards for his conservation work, and in 2016 was inducted into the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame. He especially enjoyed teaching children how to fish and hunt. His work will benefit generations to come.
Tony and Margaret devoted countless volunteer hours and dollars to many worthy causes. They wanted to ensure a positive future for the next generation, and their influence will live on in their children, grandchildren, many wonderful friends, and innumerable others.
Tony loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends. These countless stories of the adventures will be told for years. Tony lived life fully and even hunted ducks the day he went into the hospital (he got a triple). Having influenced the lives of so many, he will be sorely missed.
Tony was a loving husband and father and was proceeded in death by his wife Margaret of nearly 55 years and his “Best Buddy” grandson Sage. He is survived by his four children, Tony Jr. (Jennifer), Maggie, Jack (Wendy), and Becky (Dan); his grandchildren Carli, Helena, and Brooke; and many other dear family members and friends including his Labrador Ginger and cat Kitty.
A Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4201 Contential Dr., Butte. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the Finlen Hotel in the Treasure State Ballroom, 100 East Broadway St., Butte.
Memorials may be made to the Skyline Sportsmen’s Association, the Anaconda Sportsman’s Club, or an educational program of your choice. Please consider volunteering as a way to honor Tony’s memory.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Tony. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Tony and his family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday August 27, 2021
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Dr.
Butte, Montana 59701
Vigil
7 p.m.
Friday August 27, 2021
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Dr.
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 29, 2020
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Reception
Following Mass
Saturday August 28, 2021
Finlen Hotel in the Treasure State Ballroom
100 East Broadway
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday August 27, 2021
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Dr.
Butte, Montana 59701
Vigil
7 p.m.
Friday August 27, 2021
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Dr.
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 29, 2020
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Reception
Following Mass
Saturday August 28, 2021
Finlen Hotel in the Treasure State Ballroom
100 East Broadway
Butte, Montana 59701
Share
Ron Marcoux says
To the Schoonen family – Tony was one of the great conservationists in Montana. He was one who took on the challenge of ensuring we can fish our streams, float the rivers, hunt our state lands and preserve many critical elk winter ranges. I was blessed to know him and to fish with him and truly share your loss.
Pat Smith says
Our condolences to the Shoonen Family. During the 1989 Legislature, Tony Schoonen took a courageous stand in support of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Joint Fish and Wildlife Agreement that was pending before the Legislature. A leading opponent of this reasonable compact was the Montana Wildlife Federation’s affiliate in Polson. As an attorney for CSKT late one evening, we were looking for a conservation ally to stand with us on this. State-wide full page ads were prepared to try to salvage the Agreement (that Gov Schwinden supported, Chairman Mickey Pablo had signed, but the new Governor, Stan Stephens, reneged on the Agreement and, as a result, the litigation was about to fly). I called Tom France for help, and Tom call Tony. Tony made the call: as head of MWF he threw MWF’s support behind the F&W Agreement (bucking the Polson anti-tribal sentiment) and held firm. Against tremendous odds, that bill passed the 1989 Legislature and that F&W Agreement remains a national model of state-tribal cooperations on hunting and fishing. I thanked Tony for this every time I ran into him. When it comes to Montana Conservation leaders, Tony Schoonen stands with all the tall timber, among our state’s greatest conservation leaders, and we are indebted to him. Because of Tony, Montana’s beauty and grandeur shines more brightly, the legendary Big Hole river flows clean and free, and the heart of tribal sovereignty on the Flathead Reservation beats a little stronger. Burning sweet grass this morning for our friend and ally. RIP.
Pat Smith and Michelle Stearns
Mike Atwood says
Tony was a unique and special outdoorsman who embodied a love and deep appreciation for outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing opportunities, and access for everyone. Tony was always engaged, he showed-up, his message was always clear, and you knew where he stood on issues and desired outcomes, probably like no other spokesman for the outdoors in recent Montana history. I had the pleasure of working with Tony on a few significant projects impacting the landscape and ownership of private and public lands, and while not always in agreement or how it would all play-out, we shared a mutual desire for the same positive outcome for habitat, access, sportsmen, and sustaining the basics industries that depend on Montana’s renewable resources. Tony understood that tough balance. I have tremendous respect for the legacy he created and instilled in all of us – we can have it all! Tight lines Tony!
Mike Atwood, Helena MT
Stan bradshaw says
Tony was–and is–an inspiration to all of us who have worked on and played on our rivers and our public lands. His legacy will endure for many generations. I feel lucky to have known him.
bryan seidita says
Sympathy to this fine family!
Debbie Crockford says
My sincere condolences to Jack, Wemdy and Helena, and all the rest of the Schoonen family—your Dad/grandfather sounds like he was one very special gentleman!
Rob Gaebe says
Rob Gaebe and Sheila Morris
The Schoonen family has to be proud of your Father/Grandpa. Men of Tony’s generation were the salt of the earth, “Doc” John Morris, one of his best friends, included. Dr. Morris and Joan included us on numerous visits to Margaret and Tony’s home for wonderful dinners from their abundant fish, venison, and elk supply. My greatest days of fishing were guided with Tony. First was on the Big Hole with Doc. Tony was directing us what to do the whole time with excellent results. We threw the rainbows and whitefish back, but kept the browns trout. Tony and I were on the Clark Canyon Dam south of Dillon, where we caught rainbow feeding off the bottom. We were using blue nymphs and we had our limit soon; while other boats/fishermen were circling in asking what Tony using? Tony greeted them in his friendly manner, but fed them a line of ….. what to use for bait. Forever in my memory; as well what Tony contributed to family, education, conservation, stream access, Democratic process, etc. May he rest in peace.
Tom Tierney says
Tony was a legend. An incredible sportsman, a devout conservationist, a respected educator, and the father of a wonderful family. I was the fly on the wall for many of a conversation between Tony and my father (both of the same generation). What a day on the river that was as they shared their tales of working on the hay fields in the Big Hole, hunting and fishing. I cannot ever think of the Big Hole with out thinking of both Tony, and my dad. My prayers and warm thoughts for Jack and Wendy, and all the Schoonen children.
Paul Siddoway says
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Shoonen Family. Tony was a very special man and I had the pleasure of working with him in the early years of the Big Hole River Foundation. He truly represented the heart and soul of all that is special about Montana outdoors. I really appreciated his courage in speaking the truth to power. This is often the first step in bringing about change. His legacy will live on for many generations and it will continue to inspire me to be vocal about protecting our wonderful natural resources in Montana. May you rest in peace Tony and thanks for teaching us all to be mindful of what is important in our lives here in the great state of Montana. Paul and Mary Ellen Siddoway and Family, Butte and Melrose Montana.
Cheri marding says
My heart goes out to you for your loss-Tony was a GO GETTER!!
I ll be PRAYING for you as you prepare his celebration of life -I’m a close friend of Maggie’s-& feel like I know Tony thru her sharing her life on the Montana ranch-especially about her mom & dad☺️
My husband & I are hiker/fishers & we love states that provide this awesome playground of Gods creation! Tony deserves honor for his contributions-a hero in the hallmark of Gods creations!! Special love & prayers for you Maggie in your loss!!
Kristi Brothers says
A life well lived. Condolences to the family.