Siegfried Johannes Schultz, aged 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26.

Siegfried was born in Goldenstadt, Mecklenburg (Germany) on July 21, 1930 to Otto and Marta (Kollwitz) Schultz and was the youngest of three. In 1953, realizing he could not thrive under communist rule,  Siegfried  risked his life to escape from East Germany to West Germany.  Several years later, he emigrated to the United States where he met and married Ingetraut Bendzuck in 1956.  They shared 55 years together.

Siegfried is survived by his daughters Linda (Christopher) Fogarty and Nora (James) Robbins, grandchildren Leah (Jeff) Pirozzi, Hannah Fogarty, Jonas (Alexa) Fogarty, Jonathan Fogarty (deceased), and great-grandchildren Alice and Jane Pirozzi.

Trained as a sixth generation blacksmith and a master welder, Siegfried worked hard to provide for his family. He was also an avid woodworker,designing and creating countless pieces of furniture and elaborate birdhouses; enjoyed metalworking;  playing the accordion and harmonica;  making wine and schnapps; and solving the world's problems with neighbors and friends.

Siegfried loved his family and wide circle of friends. He was kind and loyal, always hospitable and generous, a great storyteller with an amazing sense of humor. Above all,  despite setbacks and hardships, he maintained an infectious attitude of optimism that inspired all he encountered.  What we have lost, heaven has gained.