Pete Solway Schuster

                            "We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."- Albert Schweitzer

     As so many in Door County can tell you, it was never a question of if you knew Pete Schuster, rather it was how you knew him. His roots in this place he loved ran deep, and his genuine curiosity about people – all people -- cast a wide net. Add to that, his big smile, his infectious laugh, and an endless supply of stories, and well … it was magic.

     Pete was born on April 26, 1956 to Marion (Solway) and Roger Schuster. He had many fond memories of growing up in Sturgeon Bay, although his mom was fond of saying that many of his adventures turned her hair prematurely gray. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and tirelessly researched the family history. One of his favorite places to go to just “be” was The Shore, the family homestead property on Sturgeon Bay’s west side. On October 3, 1980, Pete married Carol Wolfe, and they began building their life together “out by the lake in the woods.”

     After graduating from high school, Pete pursued a career in printing and graphic design, eventually founding his own business, LfpDesign! (And on the off chance you haven’t heard that story, “Lfp” stands for “Looking for Pete.”) He was a true Renaissance man, and his love of nature, history, and the arts led him to work with many Door County arts and humanities organizations … although with Pete, it was never just about work. He was so thoroughly committed to each group he worked with that he became adjunct staff, as well as an enthusiastic volunteer and, ultimately, trusted friend. The list is long and remarkable, as is the fact that each organization embraced him as their own: The Climate Change Coalition of Door County, Crossroads at Big Creek, the Door County Land Trust, the Door County Maritime Museum, Northern Sky Theater (formerly American Folklore Theatre), Peninsula Players Theater, The Ridges, and Third Avenue Playhouse.

     Pete deeply loved and is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Ian (Michelle Polich) of Sturgeon Bay; stepsons, Dennis (Ann Hogan) Ploor of Sturgeon Bay, Michael (Melissa Caves) Ploor of Green Bay, and Jeffrey (Penny Ploeckelman) Ploor of Kiel; brothers, William (Mary Kaye) of Sturgeon Bay, Paul (Lynn Stracka) of Sturgeon Bay, Mark (Stacia Dick) of Sturgeon Bay; sisters-in-law, Rita Schuster of Sturgeon Bay and Nancy Hammel of West Bend; grandchildren, Latham Schuster, Cody (Emma Lecheler) Ploor, Brendan Ploor (fiancé Rhiannon Cooper), Demitra Ploor, Mya Ploor, Sara Ploor, Emma Ploor, Justin (TaSheena King) Ploeckelman, and Shawn Ploeckelman; and great-grandsons, Jason and Carson Ploeckelman. He is further survived by aunts, Charlotte Schneider, Karen Solway, Suzanne Wessel; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jeannie and Steve Brummond, Teresa Graham, Mary Janchan, Pat and Rich Thorton, Connie Wolfe, Greg (Nancy Yuhas) Wolfe, Jimmy and Linda Wolfe, Johnny Wolfe, and Michael and Phyllis Wolfe; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Roger; brothers, David and Richard; sister-in-law, Sonja Schuster; parents-in-law, Robert and Agnes Wolfe; and brothers-in-law, Bobby Wolfe, Allan Wolfe and Al Janchan.

     The family would like to thank the Door County EMTs and first responders and the Emergency Room Staff at Door County Medical, with a special note of gratitude to ER nurse Nikki for the care and assistance she provided to the family throughout this difficult time.

     Pete has left a lasting legacy in Door County. He is loved, remembered, and grieved by more than can be listed here, all of whom will miss his kindness, his warmth, his generosity of spirit, his sly humor, his insatiable curiosity, his ability to rekindle our inner spirits.

     In times of uncertainty, Pete would often flash a big grin and say, “Yes, but it’ll be okay.” We’re sure that’s what he’d be telling us now. This time, we’re just going to have to trust him.

     A service of remembrance will be Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Rev. Phil Sweet officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Huehns Funeral Home. 

     Memorials may be made in his memory to Crossroads at Big Creek, Door County Maritime Museum, The Door Shakespeare Theatre, Peninsula Players,  and Northern Sky Theatre.

     In consideration of local health and gathering guidelines, dual-chapel occupancy at the funeral home will be limited to 50 people (25 people per chapel, including family). Those in attendance are to wear face masks and maintain social distancing.

     The service will be livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. on the “Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC” Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HuehnsFuneralHome). Those anticipating viewing the service on Facebook are welcome to “Like” the funeral home Facebook page any time prior to the service to receive notification of the live broadcast.

     Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Peter may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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