Ellen Christine Schultze ’74

Chris died May 31, 2025, in Rochester, Minn., after facing pancreatic cancer with strength and grace. She was 73.

Born May 3, 1952, in Portage, Wis., Chris grew up in a large, close-knit family and carried that deep sense of connection throughout her life. She was a loving mother to three children — Astrid, Marit, and Howard. Professionally, Chris was a talented and dedicated architect. She majored in architecture and urban design at Princeton and earned a master’s degree from USC in 1985. Her work spanned from family homes and corporate buildings to zoo exhibits and historic restorations. She also dedicated herself to civic planning in Rochester. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and genuine curiosity about others. Her deep love for the environment and her family guided much of how she lived.

Chris is survived by her children; her siblings James (Grace), Philip (Debra), Katherine (Timothy Heisel), Richard (Suzanne), Laura (Kevin Boehm), Michael, and Karl (Robin); 17 nieces and nephews; and 18 great-nieces and nephews.