Douglas J. Schulze

MERCER, Wis. - Douglas J. Schulze, age 80, of Mercer, Wisconsin, went to be with the Lord Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at home with his family by his side. Doug was born Feb. 18, 1942, in Madison to Ellsworth and Marian (Brumm) Schulze. Doug was united in marriage to Judy Stoflet on Sept. 24, 1966.

Upon high school graduation, Doug attended Madison Area Technical College, in Madison, earning his Associate of Science degree in machine design in 1964. From there he worked for Besly Welles Corporation, of South Beloit, Illinois, as an R&D technician and senior process technician.

Doug continued his education at University of Wisconsin-Stout, in Menomonie, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Education in 1970, and later went back to earn his Master of Science in Vocational Education in 1976.

In 1970 Doug was hired at Gogebic Community College, in Ironwood, Michigan, as an instructor in drafting, a program which he grew to include computer aided design and CNC manufacturing. At Gogebic Community College, Doug was division chair for the technology division for 28 years. In 1998 he was hired at Hutchinson Technology Inc. of Hutchinson, Minnesota, as a technical trainer working in robotics. In 1999. He furthered his career at Linn State Technical College, of Linn, Missouri, where he was located in the Advanced Technology Center, in Mexico, Missouri, as department chair of integrated manufacturing technology and laser photonics technology, before retiring back to Mercer, in 2004.

Doug served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1965-1970. He belonged to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the National Fluid Power Society and Gideons International.

Doug had a passion for woodworking, from small items to building two family homes, one in Bessemer, Michigan and one in Mercer, which he designed. He enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting, deer hunting, gardening, traveling, time with family and was active in the Gideons.

Doug is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy; three sons, Bob (Lori) Schulze, of Oshkosh, Greg (Kim) Schulze, of Hermantown, Minnesota, and Mark Schulze, of Clintonville; seven grandchildren, Brent (Lexi), Steven, Jacob, Kayla, Nik, Noah and Haylee; and two great-grandchildren, Ciera and Colson. Also surviving is a brother, Dave (Helene) Schulze, of Erie, Illinois; and a sister, Deb (Ken) Uebersetzig, Mount Horeb; and nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; and a brother, William.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held Saturday, June 3, at Living Hope Church, 1010 County Road O, Winchester, with Pastor John Nuce. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.

Memorials in Doug's memory may be directed to The Gideons International or to family for a planned memorial.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Inc, in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements.