Melvin Schulze

Melvin H. E. Schulze left this earthly kingdom on October 18, 2005, at Bluebonnet Hills Care Center in Brenham. He attained the age of 82 years. Melvin was born on June 15, 1923, in the Shelby community, the oldest of Herbert and Frida Reuter Schulze. He was baptized in his parents home on October 14, 1923 by Pastor M.C. Hoermann and confirmed on September 13, 1936 by Pastor Julies Bosshard at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shelby, Texas. Melvin attended Shelby and Rockhouse Schools and worked on the family farm until his call to military service in February, 1943. He served in the Central Europe campaign and remained after the war s end to serve in the Army Intelligence Corps in Austria for another 18 months. It was during his service in Salzburg, Austria that he met Katherina Rebel, an Austrian government employee. Shortly thereafter they were married in Salzburg by a government official. After completing his assignment in Europe, they returned to the United States in November, 1947 and settled in the Shelby community. Melvin lived his entire life on the farm he purchased while serving in Europe. Melvin was never satisfied with doing just one aspect of farming and engaged in row crops, poultry, hogs, custom work, and in later years, he enjoyed his herd of cattle. In 1966 he received the honor of being chosen Comeback Farmer of the Year. He served as director of West End Water Supply Corp. for 10 years, served as president of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department, and was a member of American Legion Post #602 and Sons of Hermann Post #28. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shelby, Texas. Survivors include his wife, Katherina, a loving and supporting partner for 58 years; brother, Burnie Schulze of Shelby; sister, Verline Schlabach and husband Roy of Shelby; nieces and nephews, Dr. Darrell and Diane Schulze of W. La Fayette, Indiana, Roger and Evon Schulze of Brenham, Mark and Lisa Schulze of Magnolia, Dr. Michael and Karla Schlabach of College Station and Sheryl and Dennis Durfey of Smithville. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Frida Schulze; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andreas and Magdalena Rebel; brother-in-law, Joseph Rebel; and sister-in-law, Burdine Schulze. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Greenvine, with Pastor Pamela Werrell officiating. Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Pallbearers will be Alfred Eckermann, Jr., Terry Rudloff, Kenneth Hetzel, Arlie Eckermann, Cliff Rudloff and Ryan Aschenbeck. All nephews and nieces will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be given to the building fund at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shelby, or to Hospice Brazos Valley.