Arthur “Art” Schoff, 91, died on Monday, July 1, 2019 in Shawano. He was born July 10, 1927, in Marshfield, the son of the late Harry and Olga (Mykelby) Schoff. After graduating from high school, Art served in the Navy until 1946. He then attended the Wisconsin State Teachers College in Stevens Point, where he graduated in 1951 with a teaching degree, and later obtained a master’s degree in education. He married Mary Ann “Chuck” Beranek on Aug. 18, 1951, in Ladysmith, and moved to Shawano, where he taught at Lincoln and Brener schools, and retired after 38 years of service.
Art was a longtime member of Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano and served on the church council and various committees. He contributed to the community in many different capacities including serving on city committees and commissions, providing hunter safety courses and Red Cross first aid instruction. He was involved in Boy Scouts for most of his life and received the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service. After retirement, his love of nature and his skills in teaching young people were combined in his second “informal career” as a volunteer outdoor educator at the Navarino Nature Center.
A lifelong learner, Art pursued many different interests including wood carving, reading and collecting books on history, religion, and nature, gunsmithing, and most notably, birding; he spent countless hours watching, counting, recording, traveling, and learning about the world of birds. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and simply being in the woods.
He is survived by his children, Peggy Schoff, Madison, Patrick (Julie) Schoff, Duluth, Jackie (Vernon) Griffin, Arlington, Texas, and Kathy Schoff, Madison; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tony), Jesse, Ainsley and Alexandra (Kyle); three great-grandchildren, Poppy, Walter and James; one brother, Keith Schoff, Madison, and his family.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano with Pastor Gail Irwin officiating. The family will receive friends after 10 on Saturday at the church until the time of services.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family.
If friends desire, contributions in Art’s memory may be made to Navarino Nature Center.