Peter “Pete” Carlo Schonsberg passed away on September 9, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 14, 1941 to Al and Gussie Schonsberg of Walkerville.
Pete graduated in 1959 from Butte High School. He attended Western Montana College, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, and received his Master’s Degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Pete began his teaching career in Townsend and retired from Butte High School after 30 years of teaching. Pete was the head coach of The Lady Bulldogs Track and Field from 1972-1993. He received Coach of the Year 3 times (1984, 1986,1987) and Regional Coach of the Year in 1987. In 2007 Pete was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.
Pete was very proud to be a Golden B and supported his children and grandchildren through their academic and athletic accomplishments. Pete enjoyed cheering on his 49ers as much as the Bulldogs.
Pete married Mary and together had two children, Pete and Carla. He later met and married his soul mate, Virginia Dallaserra. Virg completed Pete’s family with four additional children Dan, Joe, Lisa, and Teresa.
Pete and Virg enjoyed razor riding, camping, fishing, hiking, and traveling with family and friends.
Pete was an avid outdoorsman – his passion for hunting began with his dad Papo and continued with his son Pete.
His most precious moments were teaching his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews the experience of hunting big game.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents Al and Gussie Schonsberg; son Tommy McGrath; brother-in-law Stan Suzow; nephew Mike Downes.
He is survived by his wife Virginia, children Pete (Lisa) Schonsberg, Carla (Doug) Caldwell, Dan (Wendy) McGrath, Joe (Ang) McGrath, Teresa (Tom) McGrath, Lisa (Chris) Hanson; grandchildren Keri, Kyle, Luke, Marcus, Matt, Sam, Levi, Lacie, Logann, Tommy, Jonathan, Hannah, Beau, and Bailee; great-grandchildren Karsyn, Kendall, and Huxten; sisters Roberta Suzow; Barb (Pete) Dallaserra.
Thanks to Dr. Hueftle, his compassionate nurses and staff who cared for Pete, allowing him to live life to the fullest after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer five years ago.
Special thank you to Father Beretta for your prayers, always being present, and supporting Pete, Virg, and their families.
Memorials in honor of Pete are suggested to the Butte Athletic Council.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Butte. Funeral Mass will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Pete. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Pete and his family.
Yvonne Rodoni-Paez says
I am sending all my love and prayers at this time of deep sorrow. Pete was a beautiful person inside and out. He had a contagious laugh and beautiful blue eyes. A family trait I guess. He reminded me so much of my dad that seeing him always made me remember what was gone, but what was still right in front of me. He would hug with such unreserved love and heart. I hope Pete is at peace and enjoying a drink or two and a laugh with all the family and friends that have gone before him. I know leaving was probably the hardest thing he has ever had to do and that guy was a tough soul. I know his faith in God helped through. My heart goes out to those he left behind. I know that Virginia and family will draw strength from each other to get through this sad time. All my love. Missy & Antonio
Linda & Matt Caramagno says
Love and hugs to the entire family. Pete was such a special person. Kind, gentle, charming, smart and well loved by anyone who knew him. Such a gentle soul who touched the lives of so many. I/we will miss his sparkling eyes and gentle disposition. I can feel his touch as he gave the best hugs. We will miss that laugh and perfect smile. Sending lots of prayers, hugs and kisses to the entire family. Especially Virginia who lost the love of her life.
Love to you all,
Linda, Matt, Nick and Andrew (and families)
al rodoni says
To all the family I’m so sorry for your loss I have no words for how sad I am I feel as though I lost a best friend. I have so many great memories of Pete teaching me how to hunt elk and him coming down and going salmon fishing with us. I told Pete in one of our conversations not long ago that the many times we spent up at the tent hunting elk were some of the best times of my life and those are memories I will cheris. Those memories wouldn’t be complete without the part of coming back to Virg’s for a home cooked meal and a long overdue shower. I always loved how you guys opened your home to me it made me feel like I was home, l can go on and on with the with all the great times we had. Rest assured Pete is is in good company now and that he left us all with our own great memories of him. Sending love and prayers to all of you ❤
Al and Danielle,
Carolyn Fogerty says
Virgie, I’m so very sorry about Pete. He was such a wonderful person, I know all the great memories & fun times you shared with him & the family will help you through this very difficult time. Know he loves you all unconditionally & will watch over you all. Thoughts & prayers to you & all the family.
Rich and Joyce says
We were very sad to hear of Pete’s passing. He was certainly a wonderful person and always had a big smile on his face. He will be missed by all of us. Prayers are with Virg and family. Love to all Rich Clapp and Joyce Rodoni
John Giacomino says
I just learned of Pete’s passing and it spurned memories of our growing up in Walkerville. Pete lived about two blocks away on Daly street and we played together often. Pete was small but very strong and athletic. He had an infectious personality and always had a smile on his face. I especially enjoyed going to his house where his mother and father treated me like one of the family.
I would occasionally see Pete when I visited Butte and we would talk about the “old times”…….they were precious memories. I even got a chance to hunt birds with Pete a few times a few years back. Great time.
Virginia and family…….I know this is a difficult time……Please accept my condolences.
Elena Nelson says
We are thinking of you all. Pete was a very kind soul. Hold on to each other and remember his legacy lives on through all of you. Love Ron and Elena Nelson
Lynne Baker says
Dear Virginia and family,
Don and I had the pleasure of meeting Pete some years ago (can we say 2011?) when I returned to Butte for our Central reunion and then one other time. What a wonderful person – kind, caring, funny, helpful and so loving. If ever there was a couple just “meant to be” it was Pete and Virginia.
In sympathy and with love,
Lynne (Liddicoat) & Don Baker
Edward and Martha says
Dear Virginia and Family,
We were very saddened to learn of Pete’s passing and and are disheartened that we were unable to attend his funeral.
We remember fondly of all our “61” get- togethers with you and Pete. Please accept our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. Pete put up a great fight and is an example to all as are you and you family.
God bless,
Ed and Martha
Bob and Linda Facincani says
Dear Virginia and Family,
We are both so sorry about Pete and had no idea he was so close to death. He was a great guy and a fantastic friend. Everytime I go into the bathroom, I see our beautiful tile and the great job you both did for us.
We didn’t think you were having a service until after
the fact. Neither of us is walking well, but we would
certainly have been there to honor Pete. Please accept our sincerest sympathy and know that you can call on us anytime for support and help.
Betty Holman says
Verge and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Pete. He was one of the nicest people I knew. He always had a great time! I am sorry I was out of town when he passed on. Your loss is something that takes you a long time to try and cope with but God will keep watch over you and will bless you! Call me sometime, I would like to talk with you. I pray for you and your family! Betty Holman
Don and Bev Ogolin says
Virginia, Roberta, Barb, and families,
Don and I want you all to know that you are and will continue to be in our prayers as we learned of Pete’s passing. What a great man who connected great families. Hopefully all of your memories will help ease the pain that you are all going through.
Sincere condolences and prayers,
Don and Bev Ogolin
Skip and Diane Snyder says
So sorry for your loss of Mr. Schonsberg. He was a wonderful person.