Peter Wolfgang Schaper

Peter Wolfgang Schaper, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on December 17, 2024. Born in Berlin, Germany, on June 13, 1928, Peter grew up during the upheaval of World War II. Showing resilience and adaptability, hallmarks throughout his life, Peter survived the war, and he and his mother moved to the United States.

After arriving in the United States, vivid memories of the Hindenburg Zeppelin flying over his house in Germany and a fascination with airplanes led Peter to pursue his passion for the skies. With guidance from Albert Einstein and Achim Weyl, he received his master’s degree from Purdue University. In 1949, Peter met the love of his life, Mary Rausch, and their chance encounter at a dance blossomed into a 59-year marriage full of love, respect, and shared dreams. After graduating Purdue, Peter and Mary moved to California where Peter spent the next four decades working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Peter was a devoted Catholic man and served as a choir director of St. Dorothy’s, using his musical talents to praise God and enrich his community. His love for storytelling, whether about his childhood in Berlin or his many adventures, inspired those around him. He was known for his warmth, kindness, and sense of humor, often sharing both happy memories and hard-earned wisdom with those lucky enough to know him. His legacy of perseverance, faith, the arts, and love for life will live on through his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Wolfgang and Elsbeth Yvonne Schaper and wife, Mary Rausch Schaper. He is survived by his 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held at St. Dorothy Catholic Church in Glendora on January 21, 2025, 10:30AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Peter's memory may be made to St Dorothy Catholic Church.

Rest in peace, Peter. Your journey was remarkable, and the world is a better place for having had you in it.