In Memoriam ~ Peter R. Stolz ’63

Father of Pete T. Stolz ’88

Stolz, Peter R. age 75 of San Francisco, died August 9, 2021. Preceded in death by father, Don, mother, Joan, and sister, Joannie. Survived by wife, Pam and brothers Dony (Sue) Stolz, Tom (Pat) Stolz, Tim (Mary) Stolz, and Jon Stolz. Survived by sons Pete (Jennifer) Stolz and Andrew (Candice) Stolz and grandchildren Maximillian, Cassius, and Charlotte.

Peter graduated from St. John’s Prep School in 1963 and Saint John’s University in 1967 . He served in the U.S. Navy as a journalist during the Vietnam War. He began his career as an actor, stage manager, and scenic designer at the Old Log Theatre in Minnesota. Peter moved to San Francisco in 1979 and worked as a stage technician, pyrotechnician, and production designer at ILM (Industrial Light & Magic)/Lucasfilm on such films as Return of the Jedi, Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Dragonslayer, The Goonies, E.T., Poltergeist, Star Trek, Top Gun, Tucker, Old Explorers, James and the Giant Peach, and Milk.

After an extensive career in motion pictures, Peter returned to the stage working as a Pyrotechnician and Special Effects consultant for the San Francisco Opera and S.F. Ballet.

Peter was a longtime member of I.A.T.S.E. – Local 16, the Bohemian Club (Honorary), and the Actors Equity.

He will be remembered for his innovations in visual effects, beautifully curated Christmas décor and as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Mass was held on Friday, September 10, 2021, at 11am, St. Therese Catholic Church, 18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven (952-473-4422). Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Shorewood (family only). Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595 huberfunerals.com