Editorial Note: Over a period of decades, Daniel Schoenewald sponsored several racers in AMA competition, including his son Tristan, Jake Zemke, Rich Oliver and others. A celebration of his life was held last weekend and attracted hundreds of people from all over the world. His official obituary follows:
Daniel Schoenewald, who built a successful servo drive business that powers motion control systems for thousands of products worldwide and transformed a lifelong passion for riding motorcycles into an expansive collection and global emblem of his philanthropic spirit, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, from a heart attack. He was 71.
A soft-spoken man, his endless stories of living in Tripoli, Libya, working oil rigs off the Gulf coast, Alaska and West Africa, group rides along Mulholland Highway to the Rock Store, and landing Steve McQueen’s 1942 Indian Sport Scout, sounded like legendary lore but were in fact a rich tapestry of Daniel living life to the fullest. This would often be followed with an expansive story that then turned into a shaggy dog intentionally silly with an even sillier, long drawn-out, impeccable punch line that led to chuckles, snorts, smiles and laughs.
Daniel Schoenewald was born on March 12, 1954, in Venezuela to Don and Norma Schoenewald. Daniel’s father was a geologist, which took the family around the world to Venezuela, Libya, Singapore and finally Dallas, Texas. Daniel went to boarding school in Rome, Italy and Switzerland. He graduated from Richardson (Texas) High School in 1972 and then North Texas State (Now University of North Texas) in 1982. Daniel’s travels helped shape his incredible intellect, wisdom, entrepreneurialism, selflessness, and values rooted in kindness and sharing with others.
In 1983, Daniel married Felicia Rakauskas, an Australian who was always by his side, helping support many charitable causes – donating time, money, and resources and community programs. An adoring husband, devoted father and grandfather, Felicia survives him, as do a son and daughter, Tylia Long (Dustin) and Tristan Schoenewald (Jessica), six grandchildren, Riella, Elliot, and Jaxton Long; Stevie and Avery Schoenewald with another Schoenewald on the way; sister Darnella DeLisse, brother DJ; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, brother David and granddaughter Aurora Long.
In 1987, Daniel Schoenewald founded ADVANCED Motion Controls (AMC) with his partner Sándor Barta. The international business has built and shipped nearly 3 million servo axes worldwide from their Camarillo headquarters.
“I didn’t want to be the biggest I just wanted to be the best,” said Daniel in a quote on AMC’s website, where you will also find his humorous ways in a blog post by an AMC Marketing Engineer titled, “What is a Servo Drive? From Basics to Expert,” with “basics” explained to a 5-year-old. “You can stop whenever you feel comfortable,” the post quips.
A mentor to many, Daniel was a pillar of the Camarillo and Ventura County community he called home for more than three decades. Whether through the Rotary Club of Camarillo Sunrise, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, A Taste of Camarillo, or kidSTREAM Children’s Museum, Daniel lent his expertise to many community projects and programs.
Every year, Daniel opened his private motorcycle collection up to the public, culminating in an annual ride with the Southern California Norton Owners Club. The 20,000 square foot area above AMC’s offices houses rows and rows of rare Ducatis, Triumphs, and other performance bikes all for riding on the streets or on a racetrack. Daniel was not afraid to put miles on even his most prized bikes. “I don’t want to have a show bike… These bikes get ridden,” Daniel told the Camarillo Acorn in a 2020 article featuring his collection.
Witnessing the array of helmets, riding gear, motorcycle parts, shining chrome and a one-of-a-kind collection, friend Dale Wagler described it as watching a kid in the candy store. Except Daniel owned the candy, the store, and shared it with everyone. When he wasn’t adding another ride to his collection, he was inviting others in his tight knit motorcycle community to take one out for a spin.
Riding a sea of successes and triumphs, Daniel approached life with generosity, humility, love, a smile and by being present; around Daniel, you were the most important person. He was so much to so many. Daniel’s passing is profound. His legacy of memorable encounters, lives touched, people inspired, and giving nature, will live on for generations to come. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer.
Godspeed Daniel. Enjoy the ride.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Daniel’s memory to the Daniel Schoenewald Memorial Fund with the Camarillo Breakfast Rotary Foundation, Inc. https://tinyurl.com/ClickHeretoHonorDaniel.
