Gerhard Schulze

Gerhard Henry Schulze, 88 of Independence, MO passed away Friday, June 1, 2012 at his residence. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Messiah Lutheran Church 613 S. Main St., Independence, MO 64050. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Concordia, MO. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Donations may be made in his name to the Messiah Lutheran Church. Gerhard was born November 23, 1923 in Concordia, MO to Frederick Wilhelm and Martha (Voigt) Schulze. He graduated high school and attended the University of Missouri before he enlisted in the Army. He proudly served in the US Army during WWII and was in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944-45. After the war he went to work at the Gas Service Company and later MGE from 1946 until he retired as a foreman in 1986. He enjoyed sports and coaching kids, music, reading and traveling with his wife. He was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school, the VFW and the 99th Infantry Division veterans of WWII. He was married to Irene (Kalthoff) on June 16, 1946; she preceded him in death on May 29, 1999. He is survived by his 5 children, Paul Schulze and wife Michaela of Independence, MO, Philip Schulze and wife Michelle of Peculiar, MO, Carla Seippel and husband Fritz of Blue Springs, MO, Carol Schulze of Derby, KS and Ruth Schulze of Independence, MO; 3 brothers, Hans G. Schulze of Independence, MO, Jim Schulze of Kansas City, MO and Mark Schulze of Concordia, MO; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.