Duane C. Schulz

Duane Schulz Obituary for Lincoln Journal and Star Duane C. Schulz passed away peacefully June 30, 2015 surrounded by his family. Duane, the only son of Otto Schulz and Minnie Kumm, was born March 30, 1921 on a farm southwest of Wisner, Nebraska. He started playing the saxophone by ear at age 5, tutored by his father Otto. Duane attended country and parochial schools near Wisner, NE for grades 1 - 8 and graduated from Wisner High School in 1938. Using a provisional certificate his first teaching job was the band at Thurston High School in 1940. In 1942 Duane was drafted into the 95th Division of the 377th Infantry, US Army. He played trumpet in the Infantry Band and Dance Band. After the army (1943), Duane returned to Wisner and became the band director. While teaching in Wisner, Duane earned his B.A. degree from Wayne State College in 1946 and later received a M.M. from UNL in 1964. In 1951 Duane moved his family to Nebraska City where he taught band and orchestra. In 1956 the growing family moved to Lincoln where Duane began his 21year career as band and orchestra director at Lincoln Northeast High School. He also played oboe in the Lincoln and Omaha Symphonies and clarinet in the Lincoln Municipal Band. After teaching at Northeast for 21 years, Duane moved to teaching at 5 elementary schools in Lincoln Public Schools and retired from teaching in 1982. During this time he played with numerous dance bands including: Riley Smith, Bill Albers, Dave Hahn, Budd Holloway, Lou Arnold and Bobby Layne - as well as his own: Duane Schulz Combo. His family also performed musically for events across the state of Nebraska and nationally, as the Schulz Family Band. Duane served as Band Chair of the Nebraska Music Educator’s Association and was President of the organization from 1964-1965. He also served on the original Pershing Marching Band Festival organizing committee. He shared his unique love of music through his self- created role as “Professor Schulzenheimer”. As the professor he invented and brought to life over 150 odd & unusual instruments including the oil can, blow torch & door spring. He was accompanied on the piano by his wife of 55 years, Genevieve, until she died in 2002. In 2006, a new chapter began in Duane’s life when he married his high sweetheart, Adeline Grosse – “Sweet Adeline”. Adeline played alto saxophone next to Duane in the Wisner High School Band. They celebrated their 9th Wedding Anniversary March 24, 2015. It is clear that making wonderful music was the heart and soul of Duane’s life. He entertained his family, church and community for over 85 years. How appropriate that he was inducted into the Nebraska Music Educator’s “Hall of Fame” in 1985 and in 2004, at age 88, he received that organization’s “Lifetime Achievement” award. Duane continued to be an active musician until his death at age 94. Duane was preceded in death by his wife Genevieve and survived by wife Adeline Schulz, his six children, Susan Durham Martin, Sally Matzke, Tom and Josie Schulz, Jim and Suzy Schulz, Robert and Jeanne Schulz and Nancy and David Baier, plus 9 grandchildren. His step children include: Mike and Danielle Grosse, Cheryl and Jerry Essex, Kevin Grosse, and Marilyn Harter, plus 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM on Sunday, with a visitation from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM July 5th at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 1015 Lancaster Lane, Lincoln, NE 68505, PH 402-483-1692. Viewing will be Friday, July 3, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home from 5-7 PM. Interment will be Monday, July 6, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home at 10:00 am. (www.LincolnFH.com) In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to: St Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 1015 Lancaster Lane, Lincoln, NE 68505; Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, 5905 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68501; Lincoln Municipal Band, 315 South 9th Street, Suite, 110, Lincoln, NE 68508.