Hans Schoch

Hans Schoch, 88, a resident of the Helvetia community, passed away on Monday afternoon, March 19, 2018 at his home.
Hans was born on October 7, 1929 in Bauma, Switzerland to Hans Schoch, a dairy farmer, and his wife, Berta (Lautman) Schoch. The Schoch family lived in a house named Schlössli, Swiss-German for "castle" because it sat, rather majestically, at the top of a small hill. As did most farmhouses of the time, Schlössli served as both home and barn under a single roof. Hans resided at Schlössli until the age of 14, when both of his parents had passed away. He then completed agricultural school, worked on a series of farms, and spent two years in the Swiss army.
At the age of 22, Hans's uncle, Ernie, sponsored him to emigrate to the United States. Hans traveled by ship and arrived in New York City with only the most rudimentary English language skills. He then went to Salinas, California, where he went to work for his uncle on their dairy farm.
In less than a year, Hans was drafted into the US Army and served for two years. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned to the Schoch Dairy in Salinas. He met his future wife, Viola Mae (Sally) Hoshall, at a dairyman's dinner and dance in Salinas. They soon began dating and married on July 29, 1961. After welcoming two children, Stephanie Edna and Hans David (Dave), they moved to the farm in Helvetia, Oregon in 1966. Their third child, Mark, was born in 1969.
Hans was a dairy farmer all his life. He and Sally started the farm in 1966 with only 10 acres and bought adjacent lots over the years to increase the operation to its current 76 acres. Hans had a strong work ethic, which he demonstrated every day and passed on to his children. He rose every morning at 4:00 to milk the cows and then went on to feed animals, deliver calves, repair equipment, build fences, and take care of the endless tasks involved in the 24/7 world of dairying. Dave joined Hans in 1991 and they ran the farm together until Hans's health forced him to slow down.
Hans's greatest passions were his cows and spending time with family. He enjoyed the outdoors, early mornings, Swiss music, and dancing. He also liked skiing and was a member of the Portland Swiss Club. Although Hans was a man of few words, his sparkling blue eyes and easy smile spoke volumes.
Hans is preceded in death by his sister, Alice van Reenen, and his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Sally, along with three children and their spouses: Stephanie Schoch and Jonathan Glickman of Portland, Hans David (Dave) and Casey Schoch of Helvetia, Mark Schoch of Hillsboro, and ten grandchildren—Jake, Nathan, Haven, Samuel, Oliver, Lane, Benjamin, Ruby, Simone, and Gabriel.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 21 at Helvetia Community Church, 11295 NW Helvetia Road in Hillsboro. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the services in the church basement.