Ellen Christine Schultze

May 3, 1952 – May 31, 2025

Ellen Christine Schultze—known as Christine to friends and colleagues, and lovingly called Chris or Aunt Chrissy by her family—passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota, after facing pancreatic cancer with strength and grace. She was 73.

Born on May 3, 1952, in Portage, Wisconsin, Chris grew up in a large, close-knit family and carried that deep sense of connection throughout her life. She was a loving mother to three children—Astrid, Marit, and Howard—who were her proudest accomplishments.

Professionally, Christine was a talented and dedicated architect. Her work spanned from family homes and corporate buildings to zoo exhibits and historic restorations. Yet perhaps her most treasured designs were the creative Halloween masks she lovingly made for her children and the hands-on support she offered during school functions.

Chris was known for her warmth, generosity, and genuine curiosity about others. Conversations with her always turned into heartfelt exchanges, as she was more interested in listening than talking, always asking thoughtful questions. Her deep love for the environment and her family guided much of how she lived. She had a keen eye for beauty, often seen in her ever-present scarves, and her joyful laugh and radiant smile were constants in the lives of those who knew her.

She is survived by her children; her siblings James (Grace), Philip (Debra), Katherine (Timothy Heisel), Richard (Suzanne), Laura (Kevin Boehm), Michael, and Karl (Robin); 17 nieces and nephews; 18 great-nieces and nephews; and countless other beloved family members she fondly referred to as “the cousins.” She joins in memory her mother Ellen (née Roe), father Howard Schultze, and her older brother John.

A Celebration of Life is being planned in Rochester, Minnesota. Her children invite all who knew Christine to honor her life and legacy by visiting the following this site for updates and details.

In June 2025, her ashes will be scattered at Bay Lake—the same place her parents and brother John were laid to rest—surrounded by her children and extended family.

Chris’s legacy lives on in every life she touched—with kindness, creativity, and an unwavering love for family.

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