Peter Schoch Obituary

Schoch, Peter Francis
10/16/1943 - 6/6/2024
Ann Arbor, MI
Peter Francis Schoch, formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan died after complications from surgery on June 6th, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina surrounded by his loving family.
Peter was born in Mattoon, Illinois to the late Edith White and Orville Schoch.
Peter graduated from Mattoon High School class of 1961, where he still holds the school tennis record for wins with his doubles partner. Following in his father's footsteps he enrolled at his beloved alma mater the University of Michigan where he received his BA in English.
Peter's years at the University of Michigan became a permanent part of his life story. His lifelong friendships with fraternity brothers at the Sigma Chi house and his passion and love of Michigan football remained constant throughout his life. His family can't remember a week going by without a phone call to discuss Michigan football, politics, or life in general happening with his lifelong Sigma Chi brother Brian Patchen, a friendship he so cherished.
Shortly after graduation Peter was drafted into the Army. Upon completing basic training, Peter was accepted into the Officer Training School where he went on to graduate 1st in his class. Peter then proceeded to flight school to be trained as a helicopter pilot.
In 1968 he shipped out for Vietnam and was stationed at Fort Evans where he was assigned to head Air Operations for the highly esteemed 1st Cavalry. During his time in Vietnam Peter was awarded the distinguished Purple Heart for his bravery and skill as he was able to land his helicopter after being hit by enemy fire with all his crew surviving.
Peter returned to Ann Arbor after his tour in Vietnam where he met his wife Elizabeth and made Ann Arbor their home where they would raise their three sons, David, Peter, and Christopher. He was employed at the University of Michigan as Director of Off-Campus Housing. He later was employed at Hallock Hydraulic in Ann Arbor, working with Sigma Chi alumnus and friend William Hallock.
As a young man, Peter was always fascinated by foods. One of his favorite stories was that of Clarence Birdseye and his preservation of food. Before retiring he satisfied his long-standing fascination with food by creating a company that engineered a process of food irradiation which could help to ensure the safety of our food chain.
Peter spent his later years with his beloved family, traveling back and forth from winters in North Carolina to the family's summer home on Torch Lake in Bellaire, MI.
The cold Michigan winters were spent at his son Pete's home in North Carolina where he took great pride in being Grandpa to his loving granddaughter Gabi.
Peter had a full life of accomplishments, but if you were to ask him, he would tell you one accomplishment he was so proud of was serving as the role of educator for Gabi's eighth grade covid year online. His family's needs were always Peter's priority.
Peter is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth, his three sons and their families: David (Dejana), Peter (Heather), and Christopher (Shawn) as well as grandchildren Sophie, Gabriella, Alexandar, Sly and Bo.
Peter's loves were his family above all else. Sitting at the lake house with his family was his greatest joy, cooking wonderful meals for those that he loved and making sure the younger generation understood the meaning of "Go Blue."
A graveside service will be held in Bellaire, Michigan at a future date in the fall.