Peter Carr Schanck

May 9, 1938 – January 29, 2025

 With great sadness, we announce the passing of Peter Carr Schanck of Santa Fe, NM, who passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 86. Peter was predeceased by his wife, Karen Ushman; his parents, Kathryn and Frances Schanck; his brother, Thomas Schanck; and his granddaughter, Joni Schanck. He is survived by his beloved sister, Susan Fawcett (Russell); children Christine Obeid, Brett Schanck (Laura), Derick Schanck (Jill), Julia Arbour (Robert); and grandchildren Chloe Reynolds, Griffin Obeid, Sophie Schanck, Callie Schanck, Adeline Arbour, Cameron Arbour, and great-granddaughter Quinn Reynolds.

 Peter was born on May 9, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Kathryn and Frances Schanck and grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois. Peter graduated from Hinsdale Township High School, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, and completed his Juris Doctor at Yale Law School. 

Peter began his career as a lawyer at an insurance company and became a junior legal specialist at the Library of Congress before his employment at the University of Michigan Law School, where he headed the reference department. In 1978, he became Associate Professor and head of the Law Library at the University of Detroit. He then served as Professor of Law and Director of the Law Library at the University of Kansas and later held a similar position at Marquette University until his retirement in 2002. Throughout his career, he was a respected author of numerous articles on law, legal philosophy, and law librarianship. 

 In addition to his professional work, Peter was a passionate advocate for peace and justice. He co-founded Federal Employees Against the Vietnam War in 1967, embodying his firm commitment to pacifism. He also dedicated his time in retirement to writing essays on various topics, serving on the board of the Humanist Society of New Mexico, and giving lectures on subjects that spanned his wide range of interests. Peter’s compassionate nature was reflected in his volunteer work, where he delivered flowers to hospice patients and tirelessly witnessed for peace.

 Peter loved his family, movies, University of Kansas basketball, University of Michigan football, and the city of Santa Fe, where he spent his retirement with his wife and beloved dogs. He was an avid reader of the New York Times and maintained a deep intellectual curiosity about the world around him.

 Peter will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. The family will have a private memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ACLU or a charity of your choice.