Gerard Schonekas, Iii

Gerard “Jerry” Harry Schonekas III, age 50, a resident of Prairieville, passed away on June 27th, 2020 in his home surrounded by loved ones.

Throughout his life, Jerry had many close friends and was loved by everyone surrounding him. Jerry attended Brother Martin High School and Tulane University. He enlisted in the U.S. Airforce in 1990 and served four years as a missile maintenance specialist with an honorable discharge in 1993. During his time in the Air Force, Jerry received many awards including Good Conduct Medal, Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Jerry married Shelly Plaisance in 1990 and had two children during their marriage. Jerry married Donna Lopez on March 18, 2012 and blended her two children with his. He worked at Ochsner Hospital for 10 years and beforehand ran his own home inspection business. Jerry was a dedicated member of Healing Place Church and St. John’s Church. His passions for hunting, fly fishing, his faith, and for celebrating life will be forever remembered in the hearts of his friends and family.

Jerry is survived by his wife Donna Schonekas; his children Katelynn Schonekas, Haley Schonekas, Brendan Lopez (Brendan’s wife, Megan Lopez) and Lindsay Lopez; his sisters Janelle Bjork and Rhonda Leger (Rhonda’s husband, Mark Leger); his nieces and nephews Candis Eby (Candis’s husband, Jordan, and their children Ian, Ezra and Owen), Courtney Brisbois, Teddy Bjork, Mattie Bjork, Michaela Hammond (Michaela’s husband, Andrew), Blake Leger, Jace Leger (his children, Addelyn and Presley), and Gabby Leger (Gabby’s fiancée, Ty).

He is preceded in death by his parents Gerard Harry Schonekas Jr. and Mary Margaret Schonekas.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, July 4, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. Cremation will take place following.  East Baton Rouge Parish now requires anyone entering a place of business to wear a mask, please make sure you have a mask if you plan on attending the services.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice in Jerry’s name.

The family of Jerry Schonekas wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Ochsner Health Care professionals and St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.