Nehemiah Schoenecke

Nehemiah Joel Schoenecke, 2 years old, of Heyworth passed away tragically Friday September 20, 2024, in Bloomington.
There will be a funeral for Nehemiah at 1 PM Saturday September 28, 2024, at Eastview Christian Church in Normal. There will be a visitation from 3-7 PM Friday September 27, 2024, at the church. Pastor Hal Hamilton and Pastor Clark Killingsworth will officiate. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery near Heyworth.
Nehemiah was born in Normal, Illinois on May 3, 2022, to Bryan and Samantha (Ketchum) Schoenecke who survive. He is also survived by his two sisters, Eliana and Liberty and his brother Isaac, his maternal grandmother, Linda Ketchum of Springfield, IL, maternal great grandmothers, Verla McCormick and Jean Ketchum, paternal grandfather, David Schoenecke of Marion, IL, paternal grandmother, Gale Schoenecke of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and several aunts and uncles, Elizabeth (Samuel) Steere, Michael (Holly) Schoenecke, Aprille (Daniel) Aparicio, Aaron (Kelsey) Schoenecke, and Alina (Michael Paul Mowrey) Schoenecke and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Ketchum, and his paternal great grandmother, Lois Slezak.
Nehemiah was a joy to everyone who knew him. He entered the world at 10lb 2oz and continued to be a big strong boy. He was big and tough and also had such a tender and gentle heart. He was especially gentle and thoughtful with his younger “bonus” brother Ryker, always bringing him baby toys and stroking his head. He was so easygoing and always smiling and laughing.
Nehemiah loved his family! He especially loved visiting his Daddy at the fire station and getting to see all the fire trucks. He loved snuggling with his Mommy and reading books together, especially all his favorite books about cars and trucks and tractors. Nehemiah had the best time playing with his siblings and getting to be part of whatever they were doing. He especially loved when they would give him piggyback rides, pull him in his wagon, or jump on the trampoline with him. His siblings remember fondly that his very favorite songs were “Tractor Tractor” by Slugs and Bugs and “Baby Shark.”
Nehemiah loved to be outside exploring our beautiful property, trying to pet our chickens and ducks, and checking out our beehives. He loved going for long walks, pointing out every deer and bird and butterfly, digging in our sandbox, and splashing in our creek.
Nehemiah was so very loved! His life was very short, yet he lived every day to the fullest and experienced so much joy and love. We will miss his sweet little voice, his smile and belly laughs, and his precious hugs and kisses. We look forward to the day we will be reunited with him again in Heaven and our family will be all together again!
“Jesus said to her [Martha], ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet they shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26

Memorial contributions may be made at https://www.venmo.com/u/ChampaignFireBenevolentFund

Online condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com