Schulze, Manfred "Fred" 1930-2011

SCHULZE, MARTIN, TODDEN, KRASKA, ACORD, EVANS, TANKSLEY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/25/2017 at 13:25:13

Manfred Schulze
Johnston
1930 - 2011

Manfred (Fred) Schulze, 80, passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnston on April 7, 2010 following a 7 year illness with Alzheimer's disease. A celebration of his life will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Glen Echo Christian Church on the corner of Beaver and Douglas.

Fred grew up during the war years in Germany, where he worked as a welder and he loved to Polka. Fred came to the US in 1960, became a citizen, and lived in Indiana several years. He learned to be a great chef while working at Howard Johnsons in Chicago. Fred then moved to Cedar Rapids to run a supper club.

He married the love of his life, Shirley, and worked for the city of Des Moines at Veterans Auditorium as catering and food service manager. During the many long hours at the Auditorium, Fred was able to meet some very influential people. Fred served Presidents Ronald Regan, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton. Fred also served many entertainers like Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Reba McIntire, and Elvis Presley. Fred enjoyed catering special events such as the circus and state tournaments. Many times Fred had to see that large groups of 2,500 people were served quickly; one group was served in six minutes. Fred also managed the food service at Sec Taylor Stadium. He won many awards including employee of the month in September 1992 and was given the key to the city. Fred retired from Veterans Auditorium in 1993 after 25 years of service. Fred loved to entertain guests by creating an elaborate menu, fit for royalty.

Fred had many hobbies which included his fishing trips to Canada, Arctic Ocean, and Alaska. Fred also enjoyed letting everyone know how fun his fishing trips were and always welcomed others to join him. Fred loved his plants, birds, and animals (some called it his zoo). Fred was a member of a cactus and pigeon club.

Fred's memory will be cherished by his wife, Shirley; his son Kevin Todden (Deborah); daughter Lori Martin (Dennis); grandchildren, Allison, Jason, and Tyler Martin, Kelly Kraska, Brett and Brad Acord; great grandchildren Sarah and Malia Acord and another girl on the way in August. He also leaves nieces Brittany Evans and Vicki Tanksley.

He was preceded in death by his father Wilheim and mother Wally, sister Ossi Evans, and brother in law Bill Evans.

Memorials may be made to the Animal Rescue League, Glen Echo Christian Church or the Alzheimer's Association . Interment will be later in Marion, IL. Special thanks to Robert Saner, Dennis Martin, and Dr. Dante Toriello.

Auf Wieder Sehen, my friends.

Online condolences may be made to caldwellraddatz.com. ~ The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa Sat 9 April 2011.