Peter H Schwaba III

Peter Hyacinth Schwaba III, husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away in his home in Prospect Heights, IL, on October 6, 2024, at the age of 64. Born to Peter Hyacinth Schwaba Jr. and Susan Neuenfeldt Schwaba (both deceased), Peter was a lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Peter is survived by his wife, Joan (nee Janszen), and their three children, Ted (Rachael), Claire, and Thomas Schwaba. He was a loving brother to Judith Winecke, Nancy Schwaba, and David (Eileen) Schwaba and an uncle to Phillip (Anne), Matthew (Jennifer), Timothy, Dana (Scott), Nicole, Kyle, and Bryan (Melanie). He was also a devoted son-in-law to Lenore Janszen and brother-in-law to Barbara (Kevin) Hunter.

Peter (or Pete, as he was affectionately known) was born and lived in Evanston, IL his first two years before moving to Morton Grove, IL . He attended St. Isaac Jogues, where he formed several lifelong friendships. He graduated from Maine East High School in 1978 after four years spent camping, playing 16” softball (like any true Chicagoan), and attending multiple Cub games and The Who concerts. Pete earned a BS in Accounting at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where he met his beautiful wife, Joan.

Pete and Joan were married in May of 1986 and settled in Wrigleyville, where they started their family. With help from family and friends, they renovated a 100+ year-old home on the 3700 block of North Greenview and made it their own. Those years were spent exploring Chicago, working for Tribune Broadcasting, brewing SchwabaBrau beer, enjoying summer afternoons at Wrigley Field (including his son Ted’s t-ball games), and even appearing in an article in GQ Magazine (yes, really). He told many great stories including meeting Mickey Mantle, Jesse Owens, and Harry Caray, getting kicked out of Arnie Harris’s booth during the Cubs' first night game, and witnessing Kerry Wood’s 20-strikeout game.

As owner of Neon Design from 1990 to 2013, Pete was responsible for creating iconic neon signs throughout Chicago, including those for the Morrie Mages building, Harpo Studios, and props for the movies “Home Alone” and "The Godfather of Green Bay". There is even a fun podcast, “Lin’s Bin WXRT-Neon,” initiated by a story of Pete and family.

In 2000, Pete and Joan decided to trade the excitement of Chicago for quieter and greener suburban Prospect Heights, where they have lived since. Their kids grew up there, and it was in this community where Pete served as a scout leader, coach, and whatever else the kids needed. He was a proud member of Saint Alphonsus Liguori Church in Prospect Heights. Pete loved gathering family and friends in their large backyard for baseball, Thanksgiving Day football, and ziplining from a treehouse he helped the kids build. He took immense pride in seeing his kids excel at Hersey High School, whether in academics, golf, soccer, or music. He cherished visiting his children while they pursued their degrees at Northwestern, Xavier University, and University of Pittsburgh. He was especially proud of their achievements and adventures as they transitioned into adulthood.

Pete was always active and eager to be outdoors, whether hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, or couples tandem racing. He was an avid hiker known for always taking the "scenic route" and loved family trips, especially to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

He was a friend to all and will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Peter will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, celebration of life service will take place from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Wildlife Federation. https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Our-Mission