Ralph Clarence Schultz, 92, passed away on September 24, 2024, entering eternal rest. He was a prolific composer for the Church, a renowned choral director and a much-beloved university president. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Schultz (Nickel).
Ralph C. Schultz was born June 23, 1932, in Dolton, Illinois (a Chicago suburb). His music study began when he was five years old. He earned a Bachelor's in Music from the Cosmopolitan School of Music in Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia University Chicago. Upon graduation, he and his wife, Dorothy Ruth Nickel, began their teaching careers in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1955 he enrolled at the University of Michigan to study organ with Robert Noehren and composition with Ross Lee Finney. He eventually transferred to the Cleveland Institute of Music receiving a Master of Music degree in Theory and Composition.
In 1961, he accepted the call to chair the music department at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York then shortly after began pursuing a doctorate in music education at the Teachers College of Columbia University. Given his desire to compose for the Church, Schultz transferred to Union Theological Seminary earning his doctorate in 1967. He returned to Union as a lecturer in conducting and his direction of the Concordia Choir received critical acclaim for performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Dr. Schultz was installed as president of Concordia in 1977.
Dr. Schultz wrote sonatas for piano and oboe, pieces for strings, and numerous pieces for organ and choirs. Collaborating with his wife, he wrote special music for the weddings of all six of their children and the baptisms of their 14 grandchildren.
Dr. Schultz retired from the presidency of Concordia College in June of 1998, having served in that capacity for 22 years. In retirement he continued to compose and conduct, founding the Jubilate Singers and Orchestra which performed 20 annual concerts in the Capital Region.
“Blessed are they who die in the Lord.” (Revelation 14:13)
Watch Dr. Schultz interview with Gerry Coleman