Memorial
Peter Van Rennslaer Schuyler III, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019, at Willow Gardens Long Term Care Facility in Marion, Iowa. A visitation will be Saturday, October 26th from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. casual dress please. at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories.
Peter was born in Houston, Texas on September 29, 1943, the son of Doris and Peter Schuyler Jr. Peter grew up in South Orange, New Jersey and enjoyed being a Boy Scout in his father’s integrated troop. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Drew University. During the Viet Nam War Peter enlisted and became a Green Beret paratrooper. Later he worked for Chubb and AIG as a business insurance auditor, taking the train from New Jersey to the World Trade Center Tower and then walking to Wall Street. During this time he was married and had two children. The family moved to Arizona and later divorced. Peter worked in insurance sales, and met and married his wife Maggie. Peter was always active with hiking, swimming, canoeing, and weight lifting, staying physically fit. One highlight of his life was the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight with son Ken.
He was witty and humorous, brilliant and kind. Peter was a true blessing to his second family. He faced the adversity of his diagnoses with dignity and poise, choosing to enjoy every day and do what he could to slow progression of Parkinsons’ from Agent Orange exposure in Viet Nam, as well as Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. He was diagnosed in May, 2016.
He was preceded in death by his parents and cousin Leslie Hale.
Left to cherish treasured memories are his wife of 23 years Maggie, daughter Alison McGrady (Tim), Peter Schuyler IV (Dawn), Ken McClelland, Nathan McClelland (April), siblings Carol Schuyler Cantrel (Paul), Mary Schuyler Walsh, Chester Schuyler (Kay), and five grandchildren Asher, Zion, Zebadiah, Jude, and Olivia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Peter’s family appreciates the exceptional care he received from the staff of Willow Gardens, and the support and comfort from Compassus Hospice.
In honor of Peter’s memory please direct gifts to Cedar Rapids Metro Parkinson’s Association. https://crmetroparkinsons.com or 260 33rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.