Julius Clarence Schulze, 83 of Birdsview, Washington joined the angels surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Julius was born on October 25, 1941 to Herbert and Grace (Johnston) Schulze in Sedro-Woolley, WA. He was married to Maria Luisa (Garcia) Schulze on October 18, 1963.
As a baby, Julius was nicknamed “Two Bits” by his mom as he was the only child in his family born in a hospital, the last of a baker’s dozen. He attended schools in Burlington, Marblemount, Hamilton, and graduated from Sedro-Woolley Senior High School in 1960. In July of 1960, he served in the United States Army. Specialist Fourth Class Schulze was involved in a deployment to Korea during the Cold War Era. His service earned him the Army Good Conduct, US Army, Cold War, Honorable Service, Korean Defense and the American Defense Service Commemorative Medals. In 1966, he took a woodworking and metal course at Everett Junior College. Julius worked one year at Triway, building parts for Boeing 727 and 747. He then spent fourteen years working for VanDeGrift Supreme Cedars as a shake packer and night foreman. He continued his work as a shake packer for Drake’s, Hurns, Cooks, Klingman, and Willie Self. For seventeen years, he worked for Sedro-Woolley School District as a custodian at Samish, Cascade Middle School, Central and Sedro-Woolley High School – C Building where he retired in 2004.
Julius and Maria served as Eucharistic Ministers to their religious communities at church and at homes. He served his community of Birdsview as a volunteer firefighter. With his department, they also shared a love of playing baseball. Julius volunteered countless hours with the Knights of Columbus hamburger stand at various events and doing the steak fry nights at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Julius and Maria put on pig roasts for all of their friends and family from all of the organizations they were involved with. When his daughters were in Loggerodeo, he served on the board as the organizer of the food vendors where he continued to share his leadership for many years.
He was a hard worker. He enjoyed farming, gardening, haying, tending to his tree farm and always tinkering outside. He was an incredible wood craftsman and Jack-of-all-trades. Julius loved spending countless hours listening to “Western” music as it played regularly from his woodshop. If he wasn’t outside, you could find him enjoying his favorite TV programs, playing games, telling jokes and stories, eating Maria’s cooking and simply enjoying time with those he loved. He was an “extra” Dad and Grandpa to so many.
He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a Past Grand Knight. Julius was a lifetime member of VFW 5056. For 20+ years, he was a member of PSE.
Julius is survived by his daughters, Tina Jewel C. (Mark) Rexroth and Alina M. (Donnie) Putnam of Birdsview and Luisa C. (Scott) Stewart of Lake Stevens; grandchildren, Sara (Dave) Pugsley, Ricci (Shawn) Winchell, Devon (Carter) Rexroth, Kacie (Luis) Rexroth, Tyler Putnam, Kyle (Heidi) Schroeder, Megan (Robert) Blackard, Brianna Putnam, Kayla Stewart and Jamie Stewart; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Jared Pugsley, Elliot, Jude, Aspyn, Fox and Syvanna ‘Cinderella’ Winchell, Nyleah Torres, Wyatt and Grace Blackard, Jacelyn, Jack and Jesse Casad; sister cousin Mary Alice Kirner; foster daughters; numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria; parents, Grace and Herbert; siblings, Walt, Alvin, Wilmetta, Bud, Evert, Della, Virginia, Bonnie, Luiese, Gordon, Ralph and Albert.
Special thanks to his loving caregivers, Judy, Meredeth, Janell and his care team, Susan, Melissa, Michael and Janet from Hospice of the Northwest.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 719 Ferry St, Sedro-Woolley, with a fellowship to follow. The Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at Hamilton Cemetery at 1 pm. A time of visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel on Wednesday 9-5 and Thursday 9 until the praying of the rosary at 7 pm.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of the Northwest or Parkinson’s Foundation. Please share your memories of Julius and sign the online guest register.
Julius was super sweet. I only met him a few times but have known his wonderful daughters for many years. Our family use to love getting trees at his little tree farm and it was our first trip, that he gave me a cute Christmas candle holder he had made out of one of the tree stump rounds. I think of that year and his generosity every year I put it out with my decorations.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family. He left a heart memory moment for all who were blessed to meet him.
We are sorry to hear the sad news. Thinking of you all. He was a great man and will be missed . Sending our sympathy and lots of hugs.
It was my pleasure to be his caregiver for 3 months. He grew up with my moms family so it was cool hearing lots of stories. Taking him out to breakfast on Friday and hearing his jokes were the best. I will miss you sweet Julius, my condolences to the family and I love u forever Tina
we are so very sorry for your family’s loss Tina. We always enjoyed visiting with Dad he always made us smile. He will be greatly missed by all. love ya
For years Julius and Maria were clients that I interacted with at the local bank. They were wonderful people.
I hadn’t heard that Maria had passed away either. Both were pillars to their community and will be missed.
I am so deeply sorry to hear about Julius ,he was such a kind ,loving soul.
My heart aches for you ,so sorry for your loss .Very sad news for all who knew him .Much love and prayers for your sorrow .
What a life well-lived in service to others and his community. I was honored to have him and Maria as my co-workers in our public schools, delighted to be teacher to their children, and blessed to be their friends. My family sends our hugs of comfort and strength. Blessed be his memory.
Family & Fiends of Julius—
He had a wonderful daughter and caregiver in his daughter Tina caring for him the past couple of years .
Condolences and sympathy for the family-
Lisa & Tony Anderson
Julius was such a sweet gentle man who was always smiling. I can’t count all the warm hugs he’s given me. I love when Tina Rexroth worked at Eaglehaven Winery and he always had his beer instead of wine. He will be missed!
Julius was an incredible man who quickly became family to us. His absence in this world will leave quite the hole in many hearts, but his legacy will live on in all who was lucky enough to love him and be loved by him. Thank you for all of the years of friendship, laughter, and love Julius. Praying deeply for the Schulze family and hoping they find comfort in Julius’ reunion with his beloved Maria.
I will treasure every moment, every smile, every joke and everything you shared with me. I am blessed to have known you and to have had the privilege of doing numerous art pieces for you. The legacy you have created will live on among family and friends and you are free to soar with your love Maria amongst the eagles. I’ll be watching for you. All my love and prayers for the family.
Such a wonderful, kind and humorous soul. He has joined his beautiful bride in Heaven. Love you lots Julius and thank you for your friendship. You will be missed!
Love, hugs and love Rexroth family 🙏