Charlie Schoenheit

ASHEVILLE - Charles Alan “Charlie” Schoenheit passed away unexpectedly at his home from natural causes on May 18, 2021.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, on March 13, 1950, he was the son of the late Marvin and Marjorie Schoenheit. Charlie graduated from Alma College and received his MSW from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. From 1977-2003, he served as Director of Adult Services at Blue Ridge Center in Asheville. He retired in 2013, as CEO of Western Highlands Network. In “retirement”, Charlie continued to work for All Souls Counseling Center in a variety of capacities and volunteered at The Red Door (Church of the Advocate) in Asheville providing counseling services to the homeless. He was a tireless advocate for the underprivileged and those suffering from mental illness and addiction.

An avid outdoorsman, Charlie enjoyed Telemark skiing, had climbed many of the 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado and completed the Shut In Ridge Trail Run on multiple occasions. He was a die-hard UNC Tar Heel and Detroit Tigers fan. He had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and his commitment to family and friends was unwavering. It is worth noting that friends did express concerns over his unusual fascination with pyrotechnics.

He is survived by his wife Beth Stickle Schoenheit; sisters, Joan Boikess (David) of Austin, TX, Sara Schmidt  (Mike) of Gaylord, MI, Lisa Burnell (Louie) of Saginaw, MI, and Mary Rusz (Jerry) of Dallas, TX; nieces, Natalie Burnell, Stefanie Schmidt, Rachel Rusz; nephews, Joe Boikess, Dane Schmidt, Kevin and Bryan Burnell; God daughter Mary Byrd Lee; sister-in-law, Hilary Stickle; brothers-in-law, Tim and Logan Stickle, as well as many friends and colleagues who will miss him immeasurably.

A gathering to celebrate Charlie’s life will be held at a later date.

For those who are so inclined, please make donations in Charlie’s name to All Souls Counseling Center, The Red Door, or your favorite charitable organization.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Schoenheit’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.