Philip “Phil” Elbert Schoech, age 75, died on Friday, October 9, 2026. He was born on February 17, 1951 in St. Joseph, Missouri, and grew up in St. Joseph and Wausau, Wisconsin, graduating from Wausau High School in 1969. 

Phil studied mathematics at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois receiving his bachelor's degree in 1973, and studied economics at the University of Wisconsin—Madison under advisor Laurits Christensen receiving his PhD in 1980. After receiving his doctorate, Phil continued working with his advisor, becoming a founding staff member at the Christensen Associates economic consulting firm. At Christensen Associates, Phil developed economic models and regulatory frameworks across many industries including transportation, telecommunication, postal services and utilities. 

Phil was longtime member of Luther Memorial Church and served on the church council, its executive team and governing committees. He served on the foundation board as president during a pivotal time in the organization's development. He was active in social outreach programs through The Road Home and The Keep Food Pantry and taught in youth faith formation classes. He was deeply committed to serving his community. 

Phil was a kind, thoughtful, resilient and selfless man who had a wide array of intellectual interests. His love of literature ranged from the works of John Updike to Leo Tolstoy, and he was a patron of the arts, supporting local organizations including the Chazen Art Museum and Wisconsin Public Radio.

Phil is survived by his son, John Schoech; brother Tom Schoech of St. Louis, Missouri; sister Jeanette Vogrin of Shorewood, Illinois; and sister Angela Coward (Tom) of St. Louis, Missouri. He is also survived by nieces Melissa Onderisin (Bret), Nicole Vogrin and Becky Abernathy (Ryan), and nephews Dan Asin (Jess Newton) and Sam Asin. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rita Sweeney, and infant son, Andrew. 

Please join in in celebrating Phil’s life at Luther Memorial Church at 1021 University Ave, Madison, WI on Friday October 16. Visitation will begin at 10am and funeral service will begin at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way of Dane County.

Please share your memories Below in the online guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434