Donald Charles Schoch, a proud Army Reserve veteran and lifelong outdoorsman, died on March 23, 2026, at the age of 89.

He was born on October 3, 1936, in St Paul, Minnesota, to Philip Adolph Schoch and Regina Thran Schoch. He had one brother, Philip Andrew Schoch, who preceded him in death on January 11, 2018. He married Nancy Lou Wormley of Youngstown, Ohio, who preceded him in death on February 15, 2015. He provided care for both his wife and his brother for many years.

He served honorably as a medic in the United States Army Reserve and retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant, a role that remained an important part of his life.

He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife, especially the family land in Minnesota that held special meaning for him. There, he spent many years planting trees and developing the property alongside his brother. He often shared this place with family and friends and was always eager to spend time there.

He was active in his community through the Jaycees and the United Methodist Church. A lifelong avid skier, he served on the ski patrol, was president of Winterset Ski Club in Newtown, and enjoyed organizing many ski trips through local ski clubs. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors and was known for hosting gatherings, including clambakes and garden-growing competitions.

He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, including Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia, and especially enjoyed visiting Maine with family.

He valued his Schoch heritage, reflecting on his family's German immigrant roots and their connection to the Schoch grocery store.

In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, collecting memorabilia, birdwatching, feeding wildlife, pursuing outdoor activities, and spending summers in Minnesota.

He lived a full life shaped by his experiences, interests, and time spent with others.

He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Schoch and her spouse, Scott Whitham, and Laurie Schoch; Laurie's former husband, Brent Elison; his grandchildren, Adeline Whitham, Sydney (Elison) Millis and her spouse, Joshua Millis, Christian Elison, and Colin Elison; and his great-grandchildren, Holden, Owen, Vivian, and Emersyn Millis.

A memorial service will be held on August 28 at 11 am at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook. A reception will follow the service.