Former Emporia Planning and Zoning Coordinator Russell Schoenberger passed away this past weekend at age 88.
Born in Ellis, Schoenberger joined the US Army during the Korean War and worked for Bendix before moving to Emporia in 1965. He became the city’s planning and zoning coordinator and chief building official, holding those titles for 33 years before retiring. Schoenberger helped to create city regulations by promoting the adoption of the Uniform Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Code. He also wrote legislation that created a Building Trades Board in addition to serving as secretary for the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. City Zoning Specialist Joe Foster says the impact of Schoenberger’s work continues to this day.
Schoenberger is survived by two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am July 21 at Emporia’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home at 7 pm July 20.
