Steven Schultze

Steven K. (Steve) Schultze, age 66, of Cooper City, lost his battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on August 21, 2014. He was born in Louisville, KY on April 22, 1948, to Jack and Marion Patterson Schultze. He attended Seneca High School and graduated from University of Louisville. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Betty Tellaisha Schultze; sons Christian and Braeden Schultze; his sister Sydney Schultze (Tom Buser); and extended family John Tellaisha and Kathy Kristof; nephew Jack Buser (daughter Alita), niece Adrian(Isaac) Willett ( Jackson, Catherine and June); and nieces, Kara and Kristen Tellaisha. Steve was with Ryder Systems as a Regional Marketing Manager located in Cleveland and Detroit, later becoming a Training Director in Miami, and wrote the company's first official history with founder Jim Ryder. He spent his entire career with Ryder and retired to become one of the first stay at home Dads. He was a long- term Honorable Kentucky Colonel, and 2005 Healthy Mother Healthy Babies': Father of the Year Honoree. Three times, he was president of the PTA and served in many supporting capacities, working with the National PTA organization in educating other communities' organizations on how to have effective interaction within their schools. Steve supported his son's schools with numerous fundraisers and he recruited for "Partners in Education." He spearheaded several Thanksgiving food drives which served over 80 families. Steve led his community in an important campaign against busing when the Broward School Board found overcrowding in Western communities and under enrollment in Eastern facilities. Steve fought for the right of children to stay and be educated in their neighborhood schools. As a father, he was a volunteer coach of soccer and basketball at the David Posnak Jewish Community Center. He loved his Louisville Cardinals and enjoyed many seasons at Miami Dolphins games. He was a co- supporter of the many philanthropic causes supported by his wife and children. Steve was known for his love of Halloween and many came from miles away to make sure they visited his themed Halloween Creations. He celebrated all holidays with great planning and gusto! A memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 30, 2014, 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, 401 SE 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a school of your choice or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.PulmonaryFibrosisFoundation.org.