Obituary of Warren Schueneman

Dr. Warren W. Schueneman passed away in hospice care at home on January 27, 2024 at the age of 86 after a four year courageous fight with non-small cell lung cancer. He was an educator for 34 years (ten years at the high school level; 24 years at the college level). Warren directed 69 plays and musicals, many of which won numerous awards for the productions and for the actors. Warren supported and encouraged his students to "soar like eagles". Many students stay in contact to this day. In retirement, he continued to direct musicals for local community theater. His talents lay in directing, choreographing and all aspects of production. He was a master at organization. He received his Bachelor of Science from (MSU) Mankato State University, his Master of Arts from St. Cloud State University and his PhD from the University of Minnesota Minneapolis. With no previous training, Warren was asked to join the MSU gymnastics team. His natural ability garnered him 1st place for trampoline, tumbling, floor exercises and horse. Warren started acting in high school and continued throughout his college years and beyond; acting at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and Steppenwolf in Chicago. Through Meredith Agency and Moore Creative Talents he found work in a considerable number of commercials, movies and appeared in numerous print ads. Warren also completed an extensive book on his family's genealogy. He was an avid cyclist and swimmer. He was an incredible baker. His lemon meringue pie, apple pie, seasonal cobblers and spritz cookies were legendary. He loved watching his Gophers sports teams and the MN Lynx basketball games. Since his diagnosis, he has received hundreds of emails, phone calls and visits from former students, actors, colleagues and friends. Warren together with Jonathan traveled extensively here in the USA and Europe. But theatre was his life. From the 60's on, he would annually see as much theatre as possible in New York City. After retiring, they made their winter home in Palm Springs, CA where they made many treasured friendships. Warren was a kind, respectful and generous man. When Warren walked into a room, you would experience his warmth, wit and sweet mischief. You would also feel welcome in his presence. He connected with people in the most profound way. In addition, he was loyal to his family. Warren is survived by his partner/husband of 50 years, Jonathan Cain, one brother, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and countless friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at The Cremation Society of Minnesota: 7110 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435. This will be a time for joyous levity. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to ARC (arcminnesota.org) and Children's Surgery International (childrenssurgeryintl.org).