Christoph Schweitzer

July 11, 1922-October 12, 2019

Chapel Hill

Christoph E. Schweitzer, 97, died on October 12, 2019 at the Carol Woods retirement center. He was born in Berlin, Germany and with the help of friends, Christoph and his mother escaped Nazi Germany in 1941 and made it to the U.S. by way of Cuba. After being drafted and serving a short time in the US Army, the GI Bill enabled him to pursue graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he obtained first a master's degree in Spanish, then one in German. At Madison he met Catherine Ann Plescher who became his wife on September 3, 1949. He continued his studies at Yale University, receiving the Ph.D. degree in German language and literature in 1954. He stayed at Yale until 1959 when he was appointed chair of the German Department at Bryn Mawr College where he remained until 1970 when he accepted the position of chair of the Department of Germanic Languages and Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After a five-year term he remained in the Department as full professor until his retirement in 1993. He has published one book, many editions, and numerous articles and reviews in the area of 17th to 19th century German and comparative literature.An avid tennis player, Chris loved playing in various tennis groups at the Chapel Hill Tennis Club. He enjoyed going with his family to Topsail Beach every summer, amazing his grandkids by taking jogs on the beach into his mid-90s. At Carol Woods, he enjoyed playing bocce, ping pong and volunteering in the library. Christoph especially appreciated the care provided to him by the nurses and staff at Carol Woods. Chris was an active member of the University Presbyterian Church for 50 years. He was a kind and gentle man who was well liked by all who knew him. In 2008 he was preceded in death by Cathy, his beloved wife of fifty-nine years. He is survived by two sons, Stephen A. (Belinda) and Peter S. (Kristin) Schweitzer, both of Williamsburg, VA, and five grandchildren, Maria, Caroline, Christina, Leah, and Christoph. A memorial service for will be held at Carol Woods on Saturday, November 9th at 10:30 A.M. Memorial donations may be made in Christoph's name to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County (www.orangehabitat.org/donate).

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Published by The News and Observer on Oct. 18, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Christoph Schweitzer

Sponsored by Cremation Society of the Carolinas/Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh.

8 Entries

Katie Madigan

May 30, 2023

Just finding this, while thinking about Dr. Schweitzer, my dissertation director. It was because of him that I was able to undertake research in Germany for a year, and he also invited my first publication. He cared very much about his students, and offered kind and wise guidance as a model professor and mentor. He and his wife showed us gracious hospitality as well. I remain grateful.

Phil Webber

November 10, 2020

Chris Schweitzer was one of the professors that truly helped to make my graduate school program a joy and a success. May his loved ones be blessed by the memory of this fine man.

George Clark

June 5, 2020

RIP Dr. Schweitzer. He was my German professor in 1993. He told me my accent was wacky after I had spent a summer working in Heidelberg. He was a gentleman in the classroom and was kind enough to pass me! Schone Reise Herr Docktor!

William Wallace

December 11, 2019

Dr. Schweitzer was my professor when I was at Carolina as a grad student from 1986-1990. He was knowledgeable, kind, and witty, and I still fondly remember the classes I had with him. He had a tremendous sense of humor and an innate intelligence and goodness. I have thought of him often over the last 30+ years and offer my sincere condolences.

Uncle Chris and Aunt Cathy

Maria DeGennaro

October 31, 2019

Dear Steve, Peter and families,
Sincerest condolences to you on your Dad's (and grandfather's) passing. Here is a picture of a younger Uncle Chris and Aunt Cathy. I have such great memories of both of them as being so very kind and loving. May God bless you. Sorry I will not make the service but you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Cousin Maria

Kelly Seibert

October 23, 2019

I was honored to provide nursing care to one of the most gentle, appreciative, kindest man I've ever met. A sweet soul I will miss. What an inspiration he was!

Belinda (nee Horton, Carstens-Wickham

October 20, 2019

Dr. Schweitzer played an important role in my development as a graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill. Today, in part thanks to him, I am a Professor of German myself. Thank you Dr. Schweitzer

Steve Tatum

October 19, 2019

Your Dad sounds like an amazing person Peter. You were very lucky to have a father like that. I'm sure you'll miss him.

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