John "Hans" Frederick Schultze

John Schultze, 59, of Charlotte, passed away at his home from Parkinson Dementia in the company of his loving family in the devoted care of Hospice on December 17, 2023. He is now in the the loving arms of his Lord and Savior and has joined the Church Triumphant in the Kingdom of God.

Born August 28, 1964, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was the youngest son of the late Eckart Frederick Schultze and the late Mary Rusy Schultze, both of Charlotte. He was a graduate of South Mecklenburg High School (1983) and North Carolina State University (1988). He obtained dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, becoming Valedictorian of the inaugural graduating class for the Construction Management degree. His first job out of college was project manager of Two Hanover Square high rise in Raleigh while employed by JA Jones Construction. He went on to work as a government contractor for the US Military in the Star Wars Program on the Marshall Islands. Upon returning home, he took a position with Shelco Construction LLC in Winston-Salem, and later as President of Edifice General Contractors in Charlotte. In 2005, he started JF Schultze Construction LLC, with the “best of the best” employees in commercial construction; completing projects in 16 states. He considered his employees an extension of his family. His final project was the Ronald McDonald House, which was built at cost as a gift to the city. John’s proudest accomplishment was an exemplary safety record, which spanned his thirty-year career. He was known for having the kind of integrity which could close deals with only a handshake. Sadly, JF Schultze Construction had to close its doors in 2010 due to John's declining health.

John met the love of his life, Katrin, in 1982 and later wed her in 1995. They rarely spent a day apart. The joys of his life were his two sons, born exactly 3 years apart. He never missed a soccer nor basketball game, supported their love of music, and shared his love of the outdoors, where they benefited from his being an Eagle Scout.

John was blessed with a large and loving extended family scattered throughout the country, and had the opportunity to see his Wisconsin aunts, uncles and cousins on a regular basis. He loved taking medium format photos, wood working, and hiking.

John was a long-time member of Providence United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed worshipping God in the very front of the sanctuary with his family on Sunday mornings, singing traditional hymns being played on the pipe organ. He also loved worshipping God in nature each summer during annual trips to the family cottage on the shore of North Bay, Lake Michigan in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin.

John is survived by his wife of 28 years, Katrin Ebert Schultze; son Alexander Eckart Schultze of Nashville; son Nicholas Eckart Schultze of Nashville; sister Michele Schultze of Charlotte; brother Stephan Schultze, (Lori) of Lynchburg; brother Mike Schultze (Susan) of Charlotte; Mother-in-law Regina Ebert (late Bernd Ebert) of Charlotte; brother-in-law Holger Ebert (Beth) of Charlotte; brother-in-law Andy Ebert (Robin) of Charlotte; along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Elke Grace Schultze.

A service to honor John and celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm, December 27, 2023 in the Chapel of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road. The family will receive friends following the service led by Pastor John Williams. Private interment will be held, date to be determined, in the Little Sister Cemetery, Sister Bay, Wisconsin, summer 2024. Those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider VIA Partners, formerly Hospice and Palliative Care of the Greater Charlotte Region (www.hpccr.org)

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com