Martin J. Schulte

1963 - 2023

Martin J. Schulte, 60, of Norway, Iowa, passed away March 2, 2023, peacefully at the Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo after a lengthy battle with cancer. Martin was born on Jan. 28, 1963, to Edward and Betty (Tehel) Schulte of Norway, Iowa. Martin graduated from Norway High School in 1981. After high school Martin attended Kirkwood Community College to study machining technology. Following college Martin worked at an automotive machine shop in Fountain Valley, Calif. Martin worked mainly on exotic import car cylinder heads. Martin often said it was that experience which allowed him to really get creative on a small block Chevy. Returning to Iowa, Martin began working as a tool and die maker at the Amana Refrigeration Company where he worked for 38 years until his retirement in September of 2021. Martin was the consummate machinist and fabricator. There was nothing Martin could not fix or create. Martin took great pride in building everything with his own hands. From his house to his automobiles and all things in between, Martin's possessions were built, not bought. Hard work, a thoughtful intelligence and a meticulous nature would be the perfect way to describe Martin. Martin's passion and love for auto racing was a mainstay in his life. Race cars prepared by Martin have accumulated 46 track championships, two IMCA Super Nationals A-main wins, one IMCA National Championship, and countless feature wins at race tracks throughout the Midwest. Martin also had a soft spot for the up and coming. For years, Martin offered his expertise to new racers and those just needing a little help. In 2018 Martin joined his brother Mike Schulte as an elected member of the Hawkeye Downs Speedway Wall of Fame. Martin served the city of Norway for nearly two decades as council member and later as mayor. Martin, however, was more than just an elected official. Martin could often be found donating his time and resources on various projects around the town and as well as being more than willing to help anyone in need. Martin was a devoted member of the St. Michaels Catholic Church in Norway. Martin helped with numerous projects at the church, and most recently, helping the church with significant repairs following the Derecho. When Martin wasn't working at the Norway Speed Shop, he could be found at a rock concert or with friends in his living room listening to classic vinyl on his handmade stereo system. Martin is survived by brothers, Randy Schulte and Mike Schulte; a sister, Julie (Doug) Plummer; niece Sarah (CJ) Vanhorn, nephew Tim (Paige) Plummer, and five great-nieces and -nephews, all of Norway, Iowa. Martin was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Betty Schulte; grandparents Adam and Agnes (Brecht) Schulte, and grandmother Rose Tehel. Also preceding Martin are his four-legged companions Kramer, Sadie, and Zoey, who anxiously await on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Special thanks to Dr. Gordon Grado, Terry and Donna Walter, Cory and Haley Walter, Roger and Colleen Cassill, Jeff and LuAnn Fleck, Dr. Angie and Matt Fults, Lee Schinker and Jessica Rust in collaboration with Essence of Life Hospice. Visitation will be held Friday, March 10, 2023, at St. Michael's Parish Center in Norway, Iowa, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Brosh Funeral Service of Norway is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, an account has been established at Bank Iowa in Norway with memorials to be donated at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuenralservice.com.