Name: Visitation for Milton H. Zoschke
Start: 2022-08-26T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-08-26T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph

Milton Hatheway Zoschke, 97, of Benton Harbor passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2022, at his home.

He lived an extraordinary 97 years on earth full of love, joy and peace. Born in Benton Harbor on July 10, 1925, Milt spent his formative years reading, exploring Southwest Michigan, and talking to anyone who would listen. He loved learning and had a knack for teaching, both of which he would credit his future career as an educator and social worker. He attended Franklin College when he was 17 years old and later graduated with a degree, attended the University of Michigan for a time, and graduated from Western Michigan University with degrees in education and social work.

Milt had a heart for service, so he joined the U.S. Navy and trained as a radio operator. He was deployed in the Pacific Ocean for World War II and was still in the service during the Korean War. Once he came home, Milt dedicated his life to peace and declared that he would "study war no more." He would go on advocating for peace and justice for the rest of his life.

Milt married Betty Lou Schneider, the love of his life, in 1951 and they started a family right away. They had four children: Steven, Bruce, Paul and Jean, who would go on to have many biological and adopted children of their own, all of whom Milt loved unconditionally. On top of this, Milt was blessed to have a large family including Zoschkes, Schneiders, church family, and a plethora of fond friends from around the Southwest Michigan area and beyond.

In 2019, a DNA test conducted by one of his children revealed that Milt had a child before he was married. The half-siblings agreed to reach out to each other and Milt confirmed that the child was his. Camilla (Cam) and her family came to Milt's home in Benton Harbor to meet him and her new-to-her family. This addition of a daughter, her children, and great-grandchildren to the family has been a blessing for all through these past few years.

Throughout his life, Milt exemplified the love of Jesus Christ by advocating for the incarcerated, participating in restorative justice initiatives, and sharing love and kindness with all whom he encountered. He also enjoyed traveling the world, running marathons, playing bridge, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Milt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Lou Schnieder Zoschke.

He is survived by siblings: Carolyn Corteville and Fred (Linda) Zoschke; all five of his children: Camilla Garland Williams (Greg), Steven (Sherry) Zoschke, Bruce (Magda) Zoschke, Paul Zoschke, and Jean Ann Zoschke Szczypka (Gary); as well as all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and special friend, Kitty Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, Milt wished that donations would be made in his memory to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Stevensville United Methodist Church, or Bangor Simpson United Methodist Church.

Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Starks Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. The memorial service will take place at noon on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Road, Stevensville, with a meal to follow.

Those wishing to sign Milt's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald-Palladium on Aug. 10, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Milton Zoschke

4 Entries

Rena

August 20, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mae

August 20, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mary Ann Poplewski

August 13, 2022

I was one of the fortunate ones to have taken a class that Milt taught entitled "Adventures in Attitudes", many, many years ago. I always remember his enthusiasm and encouraging ways. I am very grateful that I was able to be one of his students. Taking that class made an enormous impact on my life and also on my husbands life as well. We developed an awesome life-long friendship with another participant in the class; because of Milt's encouragement and non-judgmental personality. He not only taught beautifully about loving people and being accepting of others, but also about being accepting and loving myself as well. He impacted me greatly about how attitude is so deeply impactful and important. Milt was a true blessing in my life.

Betty Ivers

August 13, 2022

Milt and I met at church choir and became fast friends. One of my favorite memories of him happened after choir practice. It was snowing, and Milt was waiting for me by the exit. When I was closer to him, he put his arm out for me to take. He said he knew I had trouble with my ankle and wanted to escort me to my car. He was 91, and I was more than 30 years his junior! I should have been helping him.
Milt was a true gentleman, good friend, and genuine Christian. I will always miss him.

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