- Date Of Birth: June 3, 1931
- Date Of Death: October 21, 2015
- State: Michigan
J. Peter Schma, loving husband of Janet, died on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. Peter was born on June 3, 1931 in Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin, a son of John W. Schma and Suzanne A. Schma. Peter and Jan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Peter retired as a Financial Planner with Northwestern Mutual after 60 years of service.
Peter was a graduate of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana and attended University of Chicago Illinois, Law School in 1954. He signed his Northwestern Mutual Life contract in December of 1954 with the Kalamazoo general agency. For 40 successful years, he partnered with Judy Borden. As a member of the Advanced Underwriting Study group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he had the privilege of speaking engagements nationwide. Peter was a member of the Kalamazoo School Board in 1967, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a board member for 28 years at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo.
Peter was a Kalamazoo Rotarian for 50 years; a member of the National Million Dollar Round Table for 50 years; Kalamazoo Jaycees, S.C.O.R.E.; Chamber of Commerce; the Kalamazoo Airport Board and was a fundraiser for United Way. Peter and Jan were members of the Kalamazoo Country Club for 50 years, where he enjoyed many wonderful friends and activities. For many years, Peter met clients and friends and members of his T.G.I.F. study group at his beloved Park Club. He looked forward every September to a Canadian fishing trip with special friends. Peter is quoted as saying “my greatest achievements have been a happy marriage and four wonderful children”. Peter was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald Schma and Paul Schma.
He is survived by his wife, Jan; two daughters, Karen Schma of Kalamazoo, MI and Carol (Takeshi) Ishikawa of Canton, MI; a son, Gregory Schma of Lansing, MI; a brother William (Geraldine) Schma of Kalamazoo, MI; longtime friend, Richard (Mary) Schell; caregiver, Michael (Karen) Collier; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. One nephew in particular, Peter’s namesake and Donald’s son is Peter Schma from Texas. Also surviving is “man’s best friend” Holly, the family dog. Peter’s family wishes to thank and is grateful to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and their compassionate and professional support.
