Duane N. Schulze

Duane Norman "DOC" Schulze passed at the age of at 69 on Monday, August 16th, at Bay Regional Medical Center after falling ill with pneumonia.
He was born March 15, 1941 in Pigeon to the late Adolph and Mollie (Stein) Schulze. He was a graduate from Pigeon high school in 1959 receiving his bachelor's degree in Biology / Chemistry from Albion College in 1963. Following undergraduate studies, he served in the Peace Corp in Guatemala doing veterinary field work from 1963 to 1965. He then attended Michigan State University and finished his doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1968 and received a master's degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1970 for livestock & horse diseases.
In 1978, he was united in marriage to Donna Jean Fassett in Frankfort, MI. While married to Donna, he was blessed with three children. Duane worked on multiple farms growing up and through the early years of his career. In 1972, he returned home to start his own veterinary clinic and eventually moved his practice into the home where he grew up and family has owned since 1887. Donna passed away in September of last year.
Doc was always on a quest for knowledge and loved leisurely reading while keeping up to date on the latest in veterinary medicine. His hobbies largely involved his trade with helping animals who were often left abandoned, injured or sick on the family farm. He loved doing landscaping and had a great knowledge of botanicals that he was able to implement on his home. His fond memories of Michigan State helped persuade his children to attend his alma mater. His practice touched many lives with his caring touch for their animals while providing the best of care. He'll be remembered for his toughness, intelligence, independence, his scientific manner, his work ethic, and most of all his love for animals.
Surviving are his children; Shane Schulze and his fiancée', Jessica Dadas of Ypsilanti, Luke Schulze of Ubly and Tressa (Curt) Schulze-Walz of Hillard, OH; sisters: Mrs. Raymond (Dolores) Dinkel of Midland, Eileen Rehr of Midland, Mrs. Elna Mae Oesch of Pigeon, Florence Beck of Olivet, Diane Schulze of Taylor and his brother; Hilbert (Gloria) Schulze of Hillman . Preceding him in death was his brother; Marvin C. Schulze and his sister, Marilyn Doyle.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Monday, August 23rd, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Berne. Pastor James Gorsengner will officiate with graveside services for the family at Larkin Cemetery in Midland. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 PM Sunday, at Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton.

Memorials may be directed to the family