Lavern H. Schulze, age 77 of St. Henry, died on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at his home in St. Henry.

He was born on April 8, 1945, in Ft. Loramie to the late Fred & Mary (Streacker) Schulze. On November 24, 1966, he married Diana (Huelskamp) Schulze, and she survives in St. Henry.

Lavern is also survived by two children: Tina & Bill Budde, and Douglas & Sandy Schulze, seven grandchildren, Nathan & Savannah Budde, Emma and Claire Budde, Dustin & Kristi Schulze, Shane, Brady, and Lily Schulze, five great grandchildren, William and Walter Budde, Korbyn and Kyla Schulze, and Carter Bradford, and, as well as in-laws; Betty Schulze, Ruth Schulze, Karen Schulze, Dottie & Bob Fullenkamp, Linda & Dan Thieman, Alice & John Otte, Karen & Neil Romer, Don & Terri Huelskamp, Judy & Dave Evers, Ben & Annette Huelskamp, John & Diane Huelskamp, Glen Huelskamp, and June & Rhonda Juliano- Huelskamp.

In addition to his parents, Lavern is preceded in death by his grandparents, J.B. & Mary Schulze, and Bernard & Mary Streacker, as well as siblings and in-laws: Richard & Betty Schulze, Alma & Charles Mertz, Doris & Elmer Rutschilling, Wilfred & Mary Schulze, Ray Schulze, Ed Schulze, Marlene & Bob McMullen, Fred Schulze, Jane Huelskamp, Dale Huelskamp, and Mark Huelskamp, and his father and mother-in-law, Roman and Norma Huelskamp.

Lavern was a graduate of the Ft. Loramie High School, Class of 1963. After high school he went on to barber college and served in the United States Army Reserves. Lavern worked at Crown Equipment in New Bremen for 39 years. He and his wife Diana made their home in St. Henry, and he served the community in Village Administration for 27 years, 12 of those years as Mayor. He was a past Grand Knight for the K of C Council 2640 and was a 4th Degree member of the St. Gaspar del Bufalo Assembly 825 and was a proud member of the K of C for over 57 years. Lavern also served as past president of the Mercer County Community Improvement Corporation and was treasurer of the P.E.R.I. of Mercer County. He volunteered at Mercer Health Hospital, and enjoyed following school sports, the Cincinnati Reds, and listening to the Statler Brothers music. Lavern loved working in his wood shop and playing pinochle with his family and friends. He and Diana loved to travel, and he was proud that they had visited all 50 states.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at St. Henry Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Henry Cemetery.

Per Lavern's wishes, there will not be a viewing.

Family, friends, and neighbors are all welcome to join his family in a Celebration of Life open house from 3:00-7:00pm at the St. Henry K of C Hall following the funeral mass. The Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry is assisting the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.