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Gary Bernard Schulte
Gary Bernard Schulte
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Gary Schulte Obituary
He was the beloved husband of Diane, a loving father to David and Melissa, and a cherished father-in-law to Jessica. His pride and joy were his grandchildren: Olivia (9), Matilda (7), Emerson (5), and grand-dog Harper (7) who brought him immense happiness and abundant laughter in the last several years of his life. Gary is also survived by his brother Bill and his family. Gary is preceded by his father Bernie, mother June Elizabeth and brother Brian Schulte.
Gary's career as a commercial airline pilot spanned decades, beginning at North Central Airlines in 1978 and culminating with his retirement from Northwest Airlines in 2004. His passion for flying started as a young boy. Early in his career, he accrued flight hours through various freight carriers and by flight instructing aspiring pilots. A graduate of the University of Detroit with a B.S. in Biology, Gary's curiosity extended beyond the skies to hobbies such as baseball, coin collecting, trains, and golf, where he achieved the remarkable feat of two hole-in-ones.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Gary found joy in learning about history and spending treasured moments with dear friends bowling and playing cards. His spiritual home was St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church (his namesake) in Scottsdale, AZ, where he found solace and community.
A Memorial Mass in celebration of Gary's life will be held at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church on a April 12, 2024 at 11a PT. Burial services are planned for July 2024 at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum in Detroit, MI - date and time TBD.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary's memory can be made to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, AZ, with whom his family has immeasurable gratitude for helping them through his final days with dignity and compassion.
Gary will be remembered fondly for his unique sense of humor and generosity. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire all who knew him.
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Cindy Millar
May 3, 2024
I will always remember Gary, my brother-in-law´s, crazy sense of humor. He loved making people laugh. When Diane and I took care of our dad he was always there to help and always had encouraging words. He was a mentor to my son who, at the age of 4 memorized the aircraft trading cards to recite back to Gary, loved spending time with him and at the age of 39 I believe he has touched him spiritually. He was a good man!
Captain and Mrs. Steve Richardson, Delta (RET)
April 8, 2024
I worked with Gary at our airline and enjoyed a friendship that spanned almost 40 years. What a pilot, gentleman and friend. He will be missed. Alis suis volat
David Bixler
April 6, 2024
As unique of an individual as I have ever met. He loved everything he committed to, especially flying and his family. Lost contact with him but will remember him forever. Prayers to Diane and his immediate team. RIP Gary and thanks for the memories.
Jim Cirilli
April 6, 2024
Gary and I met in 1974, early in our aviation careers while working as flight instructors for Ultimate Flying Service at Troy Executive airport north of Detroit. I probably owe my airline career to Gary. Soon after he left Ultimate and had landed a job at Zantop Airways, I got a call from him advising me to give them a call and head over to the airport to apply for a position as a first officer. I was still pretty low on flight time at that point, but I'm convinced that I was hired on Gary's recommendation. Will always be grateful for that.
He had a quick laugh and good sense about him. Still remember playing cards at his place so many years ago.
Though we drew apart as our careers went in different directions, I saw Gary many years later while on a layover in Minneapolis, probably near the end of his time at Northwest. Upon seeing me, came right up and we spent a good time talking and catching up, just as we might have done had we been in constant contact. Recently, having been alerted to Gary's health struggles, I was able to connect one last time to wish him well. Gary will always be number one in my book. RIP Gary, it's been quite a ride.
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STEPHEN D HIGGINS
April 5, 2024
When we first moved into The Mark, Gary befriended me and introduced us to, as wells as included us in, his circle of friends. He made our transition to Scottsdale easy; I will always remember him for that. He was a good friend and as a person, good to the core. We will miss him immensely.
Sincere condolences and many good wishes to Diane and the family.
Arnold & Joanne Lindberg
April 3, 2024
Diane and family we are so sorry to hear of Gary´s passing. Gary was a great mentor for me in my pursuit as a pilot at Northwest Airlines! I always enjoyed my PHX layovers and meeting up with Gary and you for lunch or dinner. He always seemed to have something lined up to see or do when I came into town. Be assured that your in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time!
Arnie & Joanne Lindberg (MEM)
Sarah Pritchard
April 2, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Schulte family from Sarah Pritchard (friend of Melissa)
Gary Drainville
April 2, 2024
Gary was one of my first friends when I moved from the SF Bay Area to Detroit in 1965. Attended high school and college with him. I remember going with him and the gang to the West Side Drive In the day he got his driver´s license. It was a wild trip!
May he rest in peace. Gary Drainville
Noel Longton
April 2, 2024
Gary and I flew together in the early days. He and Diane are great friends and I can tell you he was a fine pilot. He loved his family and stood fast in his faith.
He will be missed by all who knew him. What a guy!!
Gary Vessell
April 2, 2024
Gary loved golf with The Foursome . He was also a very good writer and humorist. All in all, just a fine fellow
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