Ernest Siegfried Schultz's Obituary
Born in Madioen (Madiun) on the island of Java in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), “Ernst”, the 6th child of Frederich Hendrik Schultz (a water control/diversion and irrigation architect, whose expertise contributed to the agricultural development of the Solo and Madioen River valleys) and Mathilde Eleonore Schultz (neé Lotz), lived an idyllic adolescent life which was irreversibly disrupted by the WW2 Japanese invasion and the nearly 4-year occupation of the archipelago. While Ernest shared the fate of many of his immediate family members who were forcibly interred in various concentration camps by the Japanese for the duration of the war, the subsequent social upheaval which culminated during the power vacuum between the capitulation of Japanese forces and the ascent of Indonesian revolutionary forces, landed Ernest yet again in another brutal concentration camp from which he managed to valiantly escape with his life. Those experiences profoundly shaped his abhorrence of conflict of any kind—cultural, ideological, personal or territorial—he was the proverbial peacemaker.
Soon afterward, he repatriated to the Netherlands circa 1946-7, completing compulsory secondary schooling before graduating from the Dutch Naval Academy. He later earned a technical degree in mechanical engineering, which laid the foundation for a distinguished career. Ernest was employed with Dutch Royal Shell Co., where he recieved further specialized training before immigrating to the USA with his devoted wife, Aldrika and young family (he met his future wife in a Rotterdam music/record shop and the smitten couple married in 1957), settling down in San Diego, California, where they were sponsored by St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish, and where he eventually continued most of his professional journey at Solar Turbines Inc., which was later acquired by Caterpillar Inc. His expertise and dedication to his craft were evident throughout his work years.
Ernest’s military-related contributions in peacetime included service in the Dutch Royal Navy-Merchant Marine and was also a U.S. Coast Guard-credentialed Merchant Mariner, demonstrating his commitment to service and discipline.
Beyond his professional endeavors, he was a man of deep personal interests and skills. A fervent do-it-yourself enthusiast, he performed car-repairs on his own vehicles and undertook home-improvement projects such as repair/remodeling and the construction of a family room-addition to his home. He had a keen appreciation for America’s natural beauty, and his vacations were routinely dedicated to tent-camping road trips to national parks and other wilderness areas, rather than urban hotel/motel destinations—he also enjoyed “tinkering” with gadgets ranging from CB and amateur (ham) radios to computers. His passion for music was equally strong—he played both guitar and keyboard and enjoyed recording and mixing music.
His devotion extended beyond personal pursuits to a broader sense of community and faith. Ernest embraced a non-denominational devotion to God and the brotherhood of man, exemplified through his active membership in fraternal and charitable organizations such as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Al Bahr Shriners, Scottish Rite Masonic Center of San Diego, Lemon Grove Masonic Lodge #736, and the High Twelve Club for Master Masons. These affiliations reflected his belief in philanthropy, fellowship, and lifelong learning.
After a prolonged, yet good-spirited battle with congestive heart failure (he never lost his sense of humor), Ernest peacefully transitioned to the other side at the age of 94, surrounded by several loved ones on the evening of January 30, 2025, in Escondido, California.
He is survived by his eldest daughter, Monique (Schultz) Smock (married to Tony Smock); his younger son, Aldric Schultz; his youngest sister, Jósta (Schultz) Londt; and several beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and their descendants. His legacy continues through his granddaughter, Amy (Smock) Walker (married to Trevor Walker), and his great-granddaughter, Talia Walker.
“Ernie” was preceded in death by his first wife and loving mother of his children, Aldrika “Elly” (Stijkel) Schultz, as well as his second matrimonial companion, Carolyn (Steffen) Schultz. He was also predeceased by his brother Henri Schultz and sisters Hertha (Schultz) Neyndorff; E. Maud (Schultz) Hagenstein; Edmee (Schultz) Wurangian; Marcelle “Dee” (Schultz) Siegers; Cherie (Schultz) Turner; and all of their spouses.
Ernest will be remembered as a kindhearted and hardworking individual who approached life with humility and compassion.
May his memory bring comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Flowers are welcome—in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can also be made to Al Bahr Shriners Children’s Hospitals:
https://lovetotherescue.org/how-you-can-help/programs/give-in-memory
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