Frederick Carl Schultz

Frederick “Fred” Schultz, 89, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, April 01, 2019, at Spectrum Health Lakeland – St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 11 AM at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the service at the church. A private interment will take place at City Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to The Voice of the Martyrs, Jews for Jesus, or Lutheran Hour Ministries. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Fred was born on September 23, 1929 to Oswald Charles & Margarete (Schoeneberg) Schultz in Toledo, OH. In 1947, he graduated from St. Joseph High School and continued his education at University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, moved to Rochester, NY, where he worked for Eastman Kodak as an industrial engineer until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1954. During his two-year enlistment, Fred served at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD. On September 10, 1955, he married Anita M. Mueller, in Rochester, NY. The two continued to live in Edgewood until Fred was honorably discharged in August of 1956. He and Anita moved from Edgewood to St. Joseph, where Fred worked for LECO Corporation for 15 years as, primarily, the Director of Research. For a short time, following LECO, Fred worked at Benton Harbor Malleable Industries. In 1971, he began employment at Cast-Matic Corporation, a manufacturer of zinc and aluminum die castings, in Stevensville. He served as Vice-President for two years and President for 20 years; he retired in 1994. Fred was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church. From helping to build their complex as building committee chairman, beginning in 1966 until 1969, to serving as various roles; President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Chairman of the Board of Education & Board of Elder. He also proudly donated his time and talent by playing the organ full time for over 30 years at the church, for which he received excellent training by Dr. Warren Becker at Andrews University in Berrien Springs. Fred was also a member of the Brazil Mission Society and the Art Institute of Chicago. He also served as a Board Member for Community Concerts, where he was the primary page turner for visiting pianists, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (SMSO), Krasl Art Center and Blossomland Area Safety Council. Fred won prizes & awards for his photography both internationally, through Eastman Kodak, and locally for many of his painting & metal sculptures. Fred was a season subscription holder for concerts of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and had the opportunity to build his own harpsichord and accompany the SMSO for a concert. Fred and Anita also enjoyed traveling; the two had traveled to more than 60 countries and five continents. Fred is survived by his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Anita; children, David (Karen) Schultz of East Dundee, IL, Dr. Elisabeth Brockie of Dallas, TX, Mary Schultz of Seattle, WA, and Martha (Robert) Johanski of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Rachael (Nick) Dadabo, Noah Schultz, Hannah (Justin) Prevost-Schultz, Aidan & Ian Brockie, and Connor & Benjamin Johanski; great-grandchildren, David Michael, Geneva, Elisha, Felicity, Samuel and James; and sister, Margarete (Bruce) Ball and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald & Margarete Schultz.