Martha Schulz

Martha Schulz (née Lange), born December 15, 1934, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025. Her life was a remarkable journey of resilience, love, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Born in Poland, Martha survived the hardships of World War II. In 1952, she immigrated from Germany to the United States, arriving in Alabama with much of her family. She later settled in Morton Grove, Illinois with her husband Harry Schulz. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home for their children. Martha and Harry were married for 65 years, until his passing in July 2017.

While her children were in school, Martha worked in the Niles West High School cafeteria, where she became affectionately known as “Mom” to countless students. Her kindness, warmth, and generosity made her beloved by all who knew her.

Martha was a woman of grace who was always smartly dressed and carried herself with quiet strength. She loved gardening and baking, especially making chocolate chip cookies with her grandchildren—one of her greatest joys. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she lovingly prepared her well-known chicken noodle soup for family, friends, and anyone who needed comfort.

A devout Christian, Martha’s love of the Lord shone through in her dedicated attendance at Sunday services, participation in Bible study, and her daily devotion.

Martha was also a gifted needleworker. Over the years, she created countless handmade treasures, including knitted slippers still cherished by many friends and family, festive holiday décor, cozy quilts and sweaters, and beautifully crocheted blankets. Her creations were given freely and lovingly, bringing warmth and comfort to everyone who received them.

After retirement, Martha and Harry moved to Michigan, where she enjoyed peaceful years surrounded by nature, tending her award-winning garden, and spending time with dear friends.

Following Harry’s passing, Martha later moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, to be near her son and daughter-in-law, who lovingly cared for her for many years. There, she found a new community of support through Faith Lutheran Church, which became an important part of her life.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, and by her siblings Alfred Lange, Bruno Lange, Lucia Osmond (née Lange), Waltraud Brown (née Lange), Richard Lange, and Ellie Lange.

She is survived by her daughter Susanne Simon (née Schulz); granddaughter Amanda Rzepka (née Simon) and her husband Paul, and their son Simon (11). She is also survived by her son Thomas Schulz; daughter-in-law Laura Schulz (née Ryan); grandson Roger Schulz and his wife Kelly (née Schwaegel), and their children Ian (7) and Nathan (4); and granddaughter Emily Swanson (née Schulz) and her husband Kurt. She leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, as well as her sister-in-law Martha Lange, wife of Alfred, and her beloved cousin Reinhold Hildebrandt and his wife Irmgard.

Martha’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the traditions she nurtured, and the love she shared so generously.

May her memory be a blessing.

A Burial Service will be conducted at Oakwood Cemetery in Lyon Twp, MI, 7851 W. Higgins Lake Dr., Roscommon, MI 48653 at 1:00 PM on December 5, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Faith Lutheran Church, 310 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay, AR 72088.

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.