Peter Christian Schnack

Peter Christian Schnack was born September 22, 1926 in Alexandria, LA, the second of three children born to Peter Schnack, Sr. and Clara Lane. He spent his youth in Texas and after completing his education there, joined the US Army. He was stationed in The Philippines and Japan during WW II. Following his discharge in 1946, he moved to Salem, Oregon, where he began his career in the battery manufacturing industry. He married Margorie Andrus, with whom he had three children: Michael, David (Mark), and Kimberly.

During his working career, he served in various managerial roles for Gould, General and Exide Battery companies in locations throughout the US. It was while working for General Battery in Portland that he met his second wife, Susan Van Hook, his “Honey,” whom he married in 1970. Pete was welcomed into the family by Sue’s children, David and Carol, as well as her large extended family in California. Gramps and Honey loved camping, fishing, chocolate, Mexican food, and family gatherings of any sort. These included multi-generational Father’s Day camping weekends, Easter egg hunts in their backyard, Thanksgiving dinners (with tables extending from the dining room into the living room), and birthday celebration picnics in local parks. Pete took up the hobby of woodworking after his retirement in 1988 and constructed many cradles, desks, toy boxes, rocking horses, chairs, and tables as new generations were added to the family. His projects were also treasured door prizes at the Zavala family reunions.

Following the death of his beloved Honey in 2009, Pete moved to the Somerset Retirement Community in Gladstone and then to a care center in Oregon City, where he passed away on March 1, 2017. The family is grateful for the compassionate care offered to him at both facilities.

Peter is survived by his sister, Gretchen Butler (Lee), stepson David Van Hook (Natalie), stepdaughter Carol Dillard, daughter Kimberly Geck, grandchildren David Van Hook, Jr. (Diana), Michael Van Hook (Carrie), Robert Van Hook (Kristina), Stephanie Van Hook, Kristie Van Hook, Kelley Van Hook, Michael Dillard, Julie Walker (Andrew), Isreal Geck, and Ariah Geck, as well as numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Susan, his sons Michael and Mark and his brother Carl Daws Schnack.

Per Peter’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association or Komen Oregon SW Washington.