1925
Richard
2018
Richard F. Schuldes
June 6, 1925 — July 20, 2018
The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Mr. Richard F. Schuldes, age 93 of Blairsville, who passed away on July 20, 2018.
A native of Green Bay, WI, and son of Harold and Evelyn Schuldes, many may still remember him as the "Christmas Tree King," known for his perfectly shaped natural trees and his uniquely beautiful flocked Christmas trees created exclusively at his small farm on Memorial Drive in Howard. "Schuldes Breezeway Gardens" was a destination, not only during Christmas but, throughout the year, offering the most luscious spring annuals , the tastiest "Pick Your Own" strawberries and gorgeous gladiolus that supplied local florists.
He built that business with his English bride, Esme Stott Schuldes whom he met and had a whirlwind courtship with in England during the height of WWII.
Always looking for a new challenge (and probably a warmer climate), Richard moved his family, which now included 2 children, to Ft Pierce, Florida. Once again, the former farmer and his wife, went into business, owning and managing the Garden State Motel, the name of which felt right and familiar! It was during the height of the infamous 70's gas crisis that Dick was still able to make a success of the small, charming motel. He was also able to teach and pass on his entrepreneurial skills to his children who will always be grateful.
Dick wasn't all business though. He enjoyed vacationing with his family in North Carolina and Georgia Mountains. He taught his children how to fish and garden. He and Esme' enjoyed traveling to a variety of destinations. However, England, where they met, was always their favorite.
In their later years, Dick and Esme moved to the northern Georgia mountain town of Blairsville where son, Derek and his wife Kimberly had settled. Dick lived out his golden years caring for his, English bride, pursuing his passion for gardening and always presenting generous holiday feasts. He took great pleasure regaling his family with amusing stories of the antics of his younger years and their early days of marriage.
Sadly, he lost his beloved wife of 65 years, Esme, in 2014. He continued to bring her flowers each week, placed next to her picture on his fireplace mantle.
He joined her July 20th 2018 passing peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by son, Derek and daughter-in-law Kimberly who devotedly cared for him as he grew more frail in his later years. He's also survived by daughter, Suzanne, son-in-law Christopher, grandson Devon and his wife Chrissy, all whom reside in Florida.
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.
A native of Green Bay, WI, and son of Harold and Evelyn Schuldes, many may still remember him as the "Christmas Tree King," known for his perfectly shaped natural trees and his uniquely beautiful flocked Christmas trees created exclusively at his small farm on Memorial Drive in Howard. "Schuldes Breezeway Gardens" was a destination, not only during Christmas but, throughout the year, offering the most luscious spring annuals , the tastiest "Pick Your Own" strawberries and gorgeous gladiolus that supplied local florists.
He built that business with his English bride, Esme Stott Schuldes whom he met and had a whirlwind courtship with in England during the height of WWII.
Always looking for a new challenge (and probably a warmer climate), Richard moved his family, which now included 2 children, to Ft Pierce, Florida. Once again, the former farmer and his wife, went into business, owning and managing the Garden State Motel, the name of which felt right and familiar! It was during the height of the infamous 70's gas crisis that Dick was still able to make a success of the small, charming motel. He was also able to teach and pass on his entrepreneurial skills to his children who will always be grateful.
Dick wasn't all business though. He enjoyed vacationing with his family in North Carolina and Georgia Mountains. He taught his children how to fish and garden. He and Esme' enjoyed traveling to a variety of destinations. However, England, where they met, was always their favorite.
In their later years, Dick and Esme moved to the northern Georgia mountain town of Blairsville where son, Derek and his wife Kimberly had settled. Dick lived out his golden years caring for his, English bride, pursuing his passion for gardening and always presenting generous holiday feasts. He took great pleasure regaling his family with amusing stories of the antics of his younger years and their early days of marriage.
Sadly, he lost his beloved wife of 65 years, Esme, in 2014. He continued to bring her flowers each week, placed next to her picture on his fireplace mantle.
He joined her July 20th 2018 passing peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by son, Derek and daughter-in-law Kimberly who devotedly cared for him as he grew more frail in his later years. He's also survived by daughter, Suzanne, son-in-law Christopher, grandson Devon and his wife Chrissy, all whom reside in Florida.
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard F. Schuldes, please visit our flower store.
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