Gerald Schulz, 88, of Holliston, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025.  He was the son of the late Eliza (McGregor) and Ferdinand Schulz, and the beloved husband of nearly 69 years to Joanne (King) Schulz.

Gerry was born in Barton City, Michigan, where he grew up working and adventuring in the beautiful forests and fields of northern Michigan. Upon completing high school, he decamped for Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Joanne, and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the fledgling field of packaging engineering.  Following his military service, he and Joanne found their way to Massachusetts and together raised their family in Holliston, where they have lived for 62 years.

Gerry was a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, where he served as building committee chairman for the original church’s construction.  He remained an active member of the congregation throughout his life.

Over his 35-year career at Natick Labs, Gerry progressed from a bench engineer to the Associate Director of the food technology division, using his busy, innovative mind to contribute to pioneering developments in food processing and packaging in support of the space program, military operations, and disaster recovery, among other applications.  Among his proudest accomplishments were the Apollo space program feeding systems, of which he was a key architect.

Gerry was a kind man, full of love and integrity.  He also liked to be busy, always seeking out projects or problems to apply his keen mind and skillful hands to solving. Most often, these were not his problems, but those of his family, friends, or neighbors. He was known for his willingness to help, quietly, never letting an opportunity to lend a hand pass. He was a humble man.

He was also a fun man who loved telling or hearing a good joke.  His wit and humor, and his knack for storytelling, endeared him to many and left even acquaintances feeling as though he were an old friend.

In addition to his wife, Gerry is survived by his children, Brian Schulz and his wife, Elizabeth Richter, of Newton, and Lisa Slowman and her husband, Geoffrey, of Ashland, as well as his grandson, Andrew Slowman.  He also leaves behind his siblings, Donald Schulz and JoAnn Nims and her husband, Myron, and Gene Schulz and his wife, Kathy, all of Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his siblings, Eugene Schulz Sr. and Virginia Fritz.

A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11 am at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Christ the King Lutheran Church – In Memory of Gerald Schulz, 600 Central Street, Holliston, MA 01746.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston.