Wolfgang W. Schulz

Wolfgang Walter Schulz, known to family and friends simply as “Wolf,” passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of his family, with his wife, son, and daughter at his bedside.

Wolfgang was born on January 1, 1935, in Greifswald, Germany, to Walter Schulz and Gertrud Oehler. He was one of four children, including his twin sister, Brigitte, and his younger siblings, Hans-Joachim and Renate. His childhood was profoundly shaped by World War II. Growing up in Wunstorf, Germany, he experienced firsthand the hardships, displacement, and uncertainty of war. These experiences remained with him throughout his life and instilled in him a deep appreciation for peace, perseverance, education, and opportunity.

At the age of 20, Wolfgang embarked on a courageous journey to the United States. Arriving by ship at Ellis Island in 1955 with little more than determination, a strong work ethic, and hope for a better future, he was welcomed by relatives Otto and Gertrude Schundler. He settled in the Joliet, Illinois area, where he worked while attending Joliet Junior College and mastering the English language. His academic excellence opened the door to higher education and a lifetime of achievement.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Illinois. He later pursued graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, where he met the love of his life, Pishon, who was working as a nurse at New England Deaconess Hospital. He ultimately completed his PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Maryland.

In 1963, Wolfgang began his career with Exxon Research and Engineering Company in Linden, New Jersey, as an analytical chemist specializing in liquid chromatography. Over the course of a distinguished 32-year career, he made significant contributions to his field, holding multiple patents and helping advance analytical science during a period of rapid technological innovation.

On March 30, 1968, Wolfgang married Pishon Balian Schulz, beginning a loving partnership that would span 58 years and a relationship that endured for more than 60 years. Following a brief assignment in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, they returned to New Jersey and settled in Warren, where they raised their family and built a life grounded in love, hard work, integrity, and devotion to one another. Later, they made their home in Lebanon, New Jersey, and Allentown, New Jersey.

Wolfgang was a devoted father to his son, Stephan Walter Schulz, and his daughter, Christine Ani Rausch. He took immense pride in his family and especially cherished his role as Grandpa to his grandchildren, Thomas Walter Rausch, Lauren Elizabeth Rausch, and Katherine Grace Rausch.

After retiring from Exxon on April 1, 1995, Wolfgang devoted more time to one of his lifelong passions: oil painting. He became an accomplished artist, creating portraits of family members, landscapes inspired by his travels, and paintings of historic buildings that held special meaning to him. His talent was widely recognized, and he frequently received awards for his work in New Jersey state art competitions. Through his artwork, he expressed the same creativity, patience, precision, and appreciation for beauty that characterized his work as a scientist and his approach to life. Family and friends treasured the paintings he created throughout his retirement years, each one reflecting his keen eye, artistic talent, and deep appreciation for the people and places he loved.

Wolfgang also found great joy in travel, nature, and lifelong learning. Together, he and Pishon explored destinations throughout the United States and around the world, approaching each journey with curiosity and appreciation. He especially enjoyed the beauty of mountains, lakes, and landscapes, finding inspiration in both nature and the people and places he encountered throughout his life.

Those who knew Wolfgang will remember him as a man of unwavering integrity, humility, and kindness. He possessed a strong moral compass and a clear sense of right and wrong. Honest, ethical, and honorable, he treated everyone with dignity and respect. A true gentleman, he was known for listening thoughtfully, offering quiet wisdom, and making others feel valued and understood.

Wolfgang is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Pishon Balian Schulz; his son, Stephan Walter Schulz; his daughter, Christine Ani Rausch; his grandchildren, Thomas Walter Rausch, Lauren Elizabeth Rausch, and Katherine Grace Rausch; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, generosity, and love.

His family will forever cherish the values he instilled, the example he set, and the love he shared. From a childhood marked by war in Germany to a life of opportunity, accomplishment, and family in America, his journey embodied courage, perseverance, gratitude, and integrity. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, accomplished scientist and artist, and a true gentleman whose kindness, character, and example continue to guide those who loved him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A visitation with the family will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Peppler Funeral Home, 114 South Main Street, Allentown, NJ. Inurnment will follow at North Crosswicks Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ.

Service will be streamed on Zoom. Zoom Service for Wolfgang Schulz

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in support of cancer research and patient care, in gratitude for the compassionate care provided to both Wolfgang and Pishon throughout their cancer journeys. Donations may be made online here. Or If donating by mail, please make the check payable to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and send it to: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Attn: Killeen Marzella, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087