Obituary of Charles P. Schock

Charles “Doc” Schock, 97, passed away November 7, 2024. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 75 years Jane Brenberger Schock. He is survived by five children and children- in-law: Lynn (Jerry) Acton, Dani (Mark) Henry, Kerri (Rob) Siers, Andy (Alice) Schock, Cami (Kirk) Randall; seven grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law: Sarah (Rich) Lebel, Sean (Beth) Acton, Viviana Acton, Chris Siers, Callie Siers, Carter (Rachel) Schock, and Caroline Schock; seven great-grandchildren: Tariq, Tiana, Colin, Camille, Delia, Leora, and Norah; his sister Gertrude (Trudy) Eichelsdoerfer and nephew Robert Eichelsdoerfer.

 

Born February 8, 1927 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania to Pharus Jacob Schock and Alice Neidig Schock, he lost his mother at age 12, and finished growing up at the Milton Hershey School, of which he had good memories. Drafted into the army in 1945, he spent a year in Japan during the occupation. After the army, he pursued his lifelong passion for art and drawing. He enrolled in Pratt Institute on the GI Bill, studying industrial design, and graduating in 1950.

 

Doc had a unique career as an exhibit designer. Scientific exhibits for medical conventions were the foundation of his career. Later he was commissioned to do history and health education exhibits for hospitals, and ultimately developed a specialty niche in hospital history displays. He did all the historic research (which he particularly loved) and the design; then oversaw construction and installation. In those pre-computer days, his designs included precision scale models constructed in the evenings at home. He was proud to say that no one else in the country did what he did.

 

Traveling was a passion that Doc and Jane shared. Together they visited all 50 states, 65 countries, and all 7 continents. They went with open-minded interest in the history and culture of each country they visited, and respect for the people they met. While Doc took marvelous photos, Jane kept detailed journals of their travels. They shared their experiences in slide shows that she narrated. Doc’s special interest in Mayan archaeology and glyphs influenced some of their travel destinations, and he was an enthusiastic member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Pre-Columbian Society.

 

Doc loved his family deeply, and delighted in every visit from every generation. He was proud that all five of his children enjoy getting together annually for a Siblings Weekend, and that his family gathers for a weekend each June.

 

Doc’s faith was a lifelong priority, and he was a longtime member of Reformation Lutheran Church (Media, PA). He was church historian for many years and donated several design projects to the church, including the current altar and pulpit, the external cross on the building, and four exhibit panels depicting the church history, all labors of love. In 1995 he was part of a delegation from his synod who visited sister churches in Tanzania, where he marveled at the kindness and generosity he encountered.

 

During the 22 years he enjoyed at Lima Estates, he became leader of the History Buffs group, chairman of the Classical Music Committee, and a member of the Camera Club. Known for his photos, he presented several art shows, including “Around the World with Doc and Jane.” He also developed a passion for pitching horseshoes!

 

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of WillowBrooke Court at Lima Estates for their exceptionally kind care of Doc during his final days. We would also like to thank the residents and staff of Lima Estates for their friendship and support over the years.

 
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday January 11, 2025 at Reformation Lutheran Church, 102 W Rose Tree Rd, Media, PA. Visitation will be at 10:00 with service to follow at 11:00, and fellowship and refreshments afterward. At his request Doc will be cremated and his ashes interred next to those of his beloved wife at Spring Creek Cemetery in Hershey, PA.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reformation Lutheran Church through the church’s website. https://relcmedia.org/giving/