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Submitted: 8/6/23 • Approved: 8/7/23 • Last Updated: 8/10/23 • R275240-G275240-S3
Peter Max Schotten
November 7, 1946 - October 4, 2021
Peter Schotten passed away on October 4, 2021. He was 74 years old.
Peter was born on November 7, 1946 in Seattle, Washington. His parents had become citizens of the United States after fleeing Nazi Germany. Peter attended Seattle public schools, graduating from the University of Washington Magna Cum Laude with a B. A, in political science. He also was named to Phi Beta Kappa honorary and, upon graduation, was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to attend Claremont Graduate School. On December 21, 1969 he married his wondrous wife Bernice, to whom he attributes much of his subsequent success.
Having earned his PhD in 1974, he initially accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Government and International Affairs at Augustana University, where he taught for 43 years. As a student, he had benefitted immeasurably from the efforts of earlier mentors and wise teachers. Later, He was gifted with excellent students, with fine colleagues and with good friends, all whom he treasured throughout his life. His capstone course taught for almost twenty years with Professors Murray Haar and Sandra Looney has remained a source of continued gratitude over the years. During his tenure at Augustana, he served as College pre-law adviser and received a number of awards and recognitions for his teaching. He co-published two books and numerous scholarly articles. Upon retirement, he was named the Sanford Distinguished Professor of the Department of Government and International Affairs. Until his death, he remained grateful for the freedom of thought and speech that permitted him to think about and pursue truth throughout his academic career and at Augustana.
Peter was an active member of the Jewish community, having served as President as well on the board of Mt. Zion Congregation. He also was involved in several civic organizations including and holding an appointment to serve on the State of South Dakota Civil Rights Commission. Throughout his life, he maintained a variety of interests including tennis, following professional Seattle sports teams, classical music, finance and investing. He enjoyed reading widely in philosophy and history. Peter is survived by his loving wife Bernice and his nearly perfect daughter Cheryl Heike.
In lieu of flowers, he requested that contributions be made to Augustana Government Dept Scholarships, Chabad Lubavitch of SD (https://www.jewishsd.org/), Mt Zion Temple, or Magen David Adom (https://afmda.org/). Peter also had a high regard for the Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/) as a worthy organization.
Funeral Service will be held 1:00pm Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00pm, Wednesday at the funeral home. **Family request that masks are worn at both events. The interment will take place at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
Contributed on 8/6/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275240