Turk Leroy Schonert , January 15, 1957 — January 17, 2019

Turk Leroy Schonert, age 62 of Placentia, California, passed away of a cardiac event on Thursday January 17, 2019. Turk was born to Leroy and Ruth Schonert on January 15, 1957, in Torrance, California. He graduated from Servite High School, CA and attended Stanford University until 1980 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears.

He married Beth Telek Leslie and they spent thirty-three wonderful years together devoted to each other and their children. He leaves behind four children as… his legacy: Stephen Leslie, wife Meredith and grandchild Caleb. Son Jake, daughter Camery, and son Hayden.

He also leaves behind two siblings, Debbie Thurber and Craig Schonert. He was preceded in death by his father Leroy Schonert and survived by his mother Ruth Schonert. Turk was an accomplished athlete both as an amateur and professional.

He played in the 1968 Little League World Series-of which he was most proud, earned All-American honors as a quarterback at Servite High School, and led the nation in passing as a senior at Stanford University-he liked to point out that he was the only quarterback ever to start in front of John Elway. Turk went on to enjoy a ten-year playing career in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons. His professional playing career was highlighted by appearances in Super Bowls XVI & XXIII.

Following his playing career Turk coached in the NFL, UFL, and CFL in addition to serving as a coach to all his kids’ teams whenever he had the opportunity. He was excited to retire in 2015 to Lake Keowee in Seneca, South Carolina, where he had many memories of wonderful family vacations. He finally got his boat and welcomed everyone to come spend time with his family and enjoy the lake as much as he did.

Most of all, and more important than anything else, he was the best dad and best husband ever! A semi-private memorial service will be held in Seneca, South Carolina followed by another in Cincinnati, Ohio where Turk spent most of his career as a professional athlete. The family would like to thank their neighbors and Turk’s very good friends in Seneca, SC as well as his former teammates and friends in Cincinnati, Ohio for assistance with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations can be directed to the American Heart Association (www. heart.org).

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