Steve Schulze

Stephen Wesley Schulze passed away peacefully at his home in Sunburst, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, September 11, 2015 at the age of 53, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born on June 18, 1962 at Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater Oklahoma to Dr. Milton C. and Viola (Radke) Schulze of Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Steve was raised and educated in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He attended Pawnee Public Schools and graduated in May of 1980. After graduating high school, Steve attended Oklahoma State Institute of Technology in Okmulgee and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Technology in 1982. On August 30, 1986 Steve married Jennifer Riley. The couple had two beautiful children, Stanton Wesley Schulze and Rachel LaRae Schulze. In 1987 Steve moved his young family to Sunburst, Montana to settle near his parents who were living in Montana at the time. Steve worked for Moberly Brokerage Services in Sweetgrass then later began working for Northern Telephone Cooperative in Sunburst. Steve was a Combination Technician for Northern Telephone for years.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed activities such as hunting, fishing, bow and knife making, camping, rock and coin collecting, and just about anything to do with cars and engines. Steve also was an avid reloader, reloading ammunition for himself and friends around him. These skills will be continued on for years to come as Steve was always teaching. Steve was a caring and dedicated father to his children. He also loved living and working in Montana. He was also a member of the Sunburst Lutheran Church.

Steve was survived by his two children, Stanton Wesley Schulze, Missoula, and Rachel LaRae Schulze, Helena, and their mother Jennifer (Riley) Schulze of Missoula.  Steve had a granddaughter born 5 days before his passing, Pyper Michelle Foley.  Steve is also survived by a close friend, Lori Schoendaller and her daughter Kendra. Steve is also survived by his parents Dr. Milton and Viola Schulze of Pawnee, OK, three brothers Milton Schulze Jr, of Stillwater, OK, Dennis Schulze and wife Sheryl of Bartlesville, OK, John Schulze and wife Lera of Pawnee, OK. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Frederich Schulze and Louisa (Leuthje) Schulze and his maternal grandparents Martin Radke and Frieda (Doennig) Radke and sister-in-law Joyce Schulze.

Final arrangements are being handled by Whitted Funeral Chapel of Shelby. A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church in Sunburst on Friday September 18. Condolences may be sent to the family via www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.