Obituary for Gene G. Schulze

Gene Gordon Schulze, 79, of Caledonia, MN passed away, Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at Springbrook Village of La Crescent. He was born Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, in Caledonia, MN, to Fremont and Hannah (Schroeder) Schulze. He attended St. John's Ev. Lutheran School and Caledonia High School. Gene married Rita Graf on May 23, 1964 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. They enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and spending time with family and friends. They cherished 49 loving years together until Rita’s passing in 2014. Gene began farming at a very young age and continued until he retired at age 70. He was a second-generation farmer who took great pride in his farming operation. Gene raised Holstein dairy cattle and feeder pigs. He was proud of his animals and the upkeep of his farm and buildings. Gene enjoyed fishing trips with his brothers and nephews and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. After he retired from farming, Gene drove school bus for Schmitz Bus Line. Later in life, he vacationed to the Bahamas, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica with his grandchildren prior to Parkinson’s taking away his ability to travel. Gene was a lifelong member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Survivors include his daughters, Julie (Dan) Wiebke of Onalaska, WI and Jodi (Bill) Petersen of La Crescent, MN; six grandchildren, Mara, Amanda and Melissa Wiebke, and Hannah, Isaac and Samuel Petersen; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne Schulze and Dorothy Schulze, both of Caledonia, Jim McCormick, Caledonia, Loretta (Norval) Ladsten, Mabel, MN; John (Judy) Graf, La Crescent, David Graf (Roxanne Adams), Cave Creek, AZ, and Kathy Nelson, Caledonia. He was preceded in death by his son, Jason; his wife, Rita; his parents; brothers Leland and Garland; sister Elaine Wilhelm; sisters-in-law, Anne Schulze and Anna Marie McCormick; and brothers-in-law, Paul Wilhelm and Steven Nelson. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 30, 2021, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia, Minn. Pastor Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m., until 7:00 p.m., Friday, and from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service, Saturday, both at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be offered at www.jandtfredrickson.com The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and Springbrook Village of La Crescent for their loving care of Gene these past 4 years. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 1 Timothy 4:7-8