Helmut Schulz

Helmut Schulz was born January 9th, 1932 to Theobald Schulz and Martha Stolowicz in Crossen, Germany (now Poland). He and his brother, Joachim, attended academic school in Crossen until the Nazi Nuremberg laws were enforced in their town, and they had to leave the school. Towards the end of the war the family became refugees, fleeing the advancing Soviet army, and landing in Brandenburg. There, Helmut was able to resume his education since the local administration assumed everyone remaining must be “Aryan.”

Helmut earned a Masters in Engineering from the Technische Universität Berlin. He met Dorothee, and they married in 1956. They wanted to leave East Germany, so without being able to take any possessions, they traveled to West Germany where Helmut took a position in the Physics department of the University of Darmstadt. Two daughters were born, Christiane and Gudrun. Soon Helmut joined IBM, which changed the family’s life.

Helmut made the adage that IBM stands for “I’ve been moved” come to life. The family moved several times within West Germany, and then took what was intended to be a two-year assignment in New York. This assignment became permanent, only interrupted by a three-year stay in Tokyo. His career in technology enabled Helmut to travel the world, and Dorothee often joined him once their daughters were grown. Helmut’s linguistic skills included German, French, Italian and Japanese. Helmut and Dorothee retired to Brevard, North Carolina where they enjoyed hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Helmut was a prolific reader of history and the Economist Magazine. He enjoyed tinkering with technology. He curated a mini data center under his desk, a fan of Linux, and later the Mac environment. He was known as a patient technical problem solver for friends and neighbors.

Once in the U.S., Helmut studied his Jewish heritage and history. He would listen to Yiddish radio out of New York City. He pursued an eventually unsuccessful quest to find survivors of his mother’s family. Exploring his Jewish identity was decisive in his and Dorothee’s move to Village Shalom in Overland Park Kansas, as they had decided to move closer to family for their later years.

In Overland Park, he enjoyed the close company of his daughter Gudrun, his now deceased son-in-law Chet Neumann, granddaughter Jan and her family. He loved and supported both daughters, granddaughters, great-grandchildren and grandchildren of his extended family, and was called “Opa” by many.

Helmut was known for his intellect, quiet diplomatic demeanor, easy smile, interest in people, new ideas, and a good laugh. He enjoyed the occasional Guinness, and everything by Mozart. He was a loyal friend to many all over the world.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothee, daughters Christiane Ozemko (Tom), Gudrun Neumann; two granddaughters, Sarah Kendall (Josh) and Janice Neumann (Luke) and two great grandchildren, Theo and Isla. Nieces Annegret Berchter (Klaus) and Ulrike Hamil (Kevin); brother-in-law Ulrich Keidel (Brigitte); long-time devoted friends Zoltan and Sari Szilard.

The family is grateful for the support of Senior Helpers of Overland Park, especially Diicee and Sandra, and to the excellent staff of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, all of whom demonstrated their love and respect for Helmut in their care. We are grateful for the welcome, kindness, and support provided by the Village Shalom community and staff.

At Helmut’s request, there will not be a service, but rather an informal open house to celebrate Helmut on September 21 from 12:30-3:30 pm at Gudrun Neumann’s residence.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Helmut’s name to Village Shalom: https://www.villageshalom.org/donate/memorials-and-tributes/