James “Bryan” Schulte, 81, of Burlington, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Dec. 8, 2023. His loving, dynamic personality and generosity will be dearly missed.
Bryan was born March 13, 1942, to James and Julia Schulte. He grew up in Mediapolis, and spent much of his youth working the family’s farms.
Bryan earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa and continued his studies in law to earn his Juris Doctor degree. He built a successful law practice in Burlington and served as a supportive mentor to others in his practice.
While at the university, Bryan met Nancy Ann Nugent. In 1963 the two married and settled in Burlington. There they raised three sons. In 1965 Bryan’s parents were killed in a car accident. As a result, Bryan and Nancy took in and raised his two sisters and brother. The two later divorced, but remained close friends as they were parents and grandparents to many children and grandchildren.
In the early 1980’s Bryan met Jane Wilson while snow skiing in Austria. Bryan and Jane shared many of the same passions and interests. A 42-year life journey together followed, including their marriage on Christmas Day in 2010. They sang together in the Bel Canto Chorale. Bryan shared his passion for sailing with Jane and taught her to sail. They enjoyed their gourmet cooking group, entertaining and hosting large dinner parties with friends and neighbors. Bryan and Jane loved to travel and were fortunate to visit every continent except Antarctica.
Bryan was active in politics — supporting candidates and serving as a Democratic state delegate. Bryan was also an avid preservationist and contributed greatly to preserving the history of Burlington. He was a board member for The Heritage Trust for Preservation and Restoration of Historic Burlington, Iowa, and was on the board of the Heritage Hill Neighborhood Association.
He helped to reopen the Capitol Theater and fundraised to put historic lighting and Christmas wreaths in North Hill Park. He and Jane saved the Thomas Hedge House (circa 1873) from demolition and restored it. They have made it their home since 1998.
Bryan was active in scouting and obtained Eagle Scout rank. He also served as an assistant scoutmaster at Christ Episcopal Church. Bryan was an avid cyclist having ridden RAGBRAI nineteen times. For many years, he spent his lunch hour jogging with friends. He loved a good Manhattan.
Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, James and Julia Schulte, his former wife Nancy Schulte (Coach Wyatt) and is survived by his wife Jane; children Michael (Becky), Chris (Angela), Matt (Stacy), Brooke (Kasey); daughter-in-law Dawn; grandchildren Christopher, Elizabeth, Rachel, Sam, Gracie, Thomas, Harper, and William.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to The Heritage Trust for Preservation and Restoration of Historic Burlington, Iowa, and the Capitol Theater.
A celebration of life is being planned for the springtime.