Raymond Schonhoff (1903-1984), Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Raymond Schonoff was a recognized and respected dairyman and farm leader in Southeast Missouri. He was born May 21, 1903 at Apple Creek, Missouri. He was the son of Franz (Frank) Schonhoff, a German immigrant, and Catherine Schabbing Schonoff. On November 16, 1933 he married Alma Stoll, Cape Girardeau. For over a half-century Mr. Schonhoff and his four brothers operated the Schonhoff Dairy at Cape Girardeau.

The dairy farm was a family enterprise. The Schonhoff family moved from Apple Creek to Cape Girardeau County in 1904 and in 1910 Raymond’s father started dairying on a 70-acre tract of land. Only six cows, milked in a straw shed, comprised the first herd. In 1918 a local group imported two car loads of registered Holsteins from Wisconsin and it was part of this shipment that formed the foundation for the Schonhoff herd that grew to over 200 head. The Schonhoff herd was made up largely of Holsteins but also had some registered Guernseys. Raymond graduated from grade school and immediately became a part of the dairy operation.

Raymond was a leader in promoting improved dairy practices. Modern barns were built; a milk house and equipment for cooling and handling milk, one of the first in the area, installed. The Schonhoff Dairy was the first in Cape Girardeau to qualify for Grade A milk. The operation included a milk and butter route for residential and commercial customers. During World War II the dairy supplied milk to Harris Field. In 1945 the Schonhoffs bought the old I. Ben Miller farm (an early Guernsey operation) and all milk processing was done there. Their farm holdings expanded to 250 acres.

Raymond Schonhoff, a quiet and unassuming man, was active in dairy affairs. He was a 4-H Dairy Club Leader; President of the Missouri Holstein Association; President, and long-time member, of the District DHI Association; member of the Cape County Farm Bureau Board; Agriculture Committee of the Chamber of Commerce; Superintendent of Dairy Cattle, Southeast Missouri District Fair; the Cape County Soil Conservation District and Southeast Guernsey District. He helped fundraising for the Notre Dame High School and was active in the church.

Raymond and Alma have four children: Patricia S. Janevic, a nurse at St. Clair Shores, Michigan; Mary Ellen Schonhoff Payne, a member of the faculty at New Mexico State University; Las Cruces; Raymond, Jr., a carpenter and builder, Cape Girardeau, and Stephen J., engaged in general farming in Cape Girardeau.

The Schonhoff dairy business was sold in 1970 and the land developed for residential purposes. However, the guiding influence of Raymond is well remembered and cherished by his many friends throughout Missouri.