Herbert Rudolf Schulze

It is with sadness and love that we announce the passing of Herbert Rudolf Schulze, age 91, of Guelph, Ontario. Herbert passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday September 10, 2025, at the Guelph General Hospital.

Herbert was born on September 3, 1934, in Lüben, Schlesian, Germany to Elsbeth and Rudolf Schulze. His family moved to Berlin in 1936, shortly before the start of World War II. His father was drafted to the military in 1939 and the American and British air raids on Berlin started in 1940. Surviving frequent air raids and bombings as a young boy, Herbert quickly learned to be independent and resilient in the face of adversity. As the war came to an end, and he grew into a young man, Herbert enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and playing soccer.

After a chance meeting at an outdoor pool in Berlin, Herbert married his “schnukahle” (sweetie-pie), Gertrud, in April of 1954. The pair decided that they would cross the ocean and build their life in Canada. Together they shared over 71 years of marriage, three daughters, ten grandchildren, a dozen great-grandchildren and a beautiful home, in the countryside north of Guelph, on Marden Road.

Herbert would often say that his greatest legacy was his family. His daughters, and their families, meant the world to him and he was never as content as when the whole family was together. Christmas Eve sing-a-longs, family beach days, ski days, soccer games and family weddings were Herbert’s favourite occasions. A Schulze family wedding wasn’t complete without Oma and Opa on the dancefloor.

Herbert loved adventure and travel. After retiring from his career with Imperial Tobacco, Herbert and Gertrud spent much of their time traveling the world. Herbert especially enjoyed his time in Hawaii, Tunisia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali and Thailand. He made good use of his family’s Air Canada flight benefits and enjoyed exploring Europe, spending time with family in Fernie and relaxing at his home-away-from-home in Fort Pierce, Florida. Herbert was especially fond of Cuba and, in 2024, just shy of 90, he proudly treated all 35 of his family members to a trip to Cayo Santa Maria to celebrate 70 years of marriage and family.

Herbert was an avid sports fan. He loved soccer (special mention to Hertha BSC and Die deutsche Fußball National Mannschaft der Männer) and played on various teams in both Germany and Canada. He held memberships at local tennis, ski and golf clubs and loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in their various sporting events. Herbert especially enjoyed time outdoors. He was always ready for another camping trip, a ride on his motorbike or a quiet afternoon on the balcony.

Herbert relished a good argument and was a fiercely passionate debater - strong-willed and unyielding in his beliefs. He was smart and witty and had a great sense of humour. Herbert was savvy and resourceful and loved a good deal. You could often find him browsing at “the boutique” (thrift store) when he needed something (and also when he didn’t need something). He loved Gertrud’s cooking and would never turn down a pastry, a coffee or a glass of brandy.

In the final hours of his life, surrounded by hymns, cherished German songs, scripture readings, and prayer, Herbert's daughters believe he gave his life to Christ. When they asked, 'Will we be dancing together in heaven?' he responded with a squeeze of Kimmi’s hand, then rested peacefully until his last breath.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents (Elsbeth and Rudolf), his siblings (Margot and Günther) and his grandson (Connor).

He is survived by his loving and adoring wife of 71 years, Gertrud Schulze, and his three devoted daughters Angelika Light (David), Ramona Gliege (Randy) and Kim Pottruff (Kevin). Opa will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Stephanie Davies (Brian), Alex Light (Sarah), Adam Light, Jacob Gliege (Amy), Natalie Hickerson (Nathan), Daniel Pottruff (Aja), Emma Tittonel (Robert), Angela Patchell (David) and Jesse Pottruff (Jessica) and his great-grandchildren Matthias, Jamie, Kaiden, Caleb, Hannah, Thomas, Oliver, Gemma, Max, Matilda, Frederick and William.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 20, 2025, at 2:00pm, at Calvary Baptist Church located at 454 Arkell Road in Puslinch, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital or Diabetes Canada in memory of Herbert Schulze.

The family wishes to thank the excellent staff at the Guelph General Hospital as well as the kind team at Heritage House Guelph for their care and compassion. A special thank you to Dr. David Hood and Dr. Benjamin Dean for their care over the years.

Our Daddy and Opa will be deeply missed and forever remembered. His exuberant energy and adventurous spirit lives on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.