Fred Schultheis

Dr. Fred B. Schultheis, 69, of Bethlehem passed away on Tuesday September 10th at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Bethlehem, PA.

Fred was born on April 17, 1955 to Charles and Vonda (Hamilton) Schultheis in St. Luke's Hospital. After graduating from Liberty High School in 1973, he went on to obtain his Bachelor's at Moravian College, Master's at Purdue University and Doctorate at University of Michigan (Go Blue!).

From a young age, Fred had a natural predilection for mathematics, a passion that would fill the rest of his life. Algebraic geometry and number theory were two of his many points of interest as well as being a lifelong student of the overall history of mathematics. Fred took this love and began his career as a professor at his alma mater, Moravian University in Bethlehem in 1985. Notably, he received start-up funding to develop a mathematics colloquium at the school. After receiving tenure, he was known to be in front of lecture halls teaching in a Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts and his ever present sandals. A man of leisure and comfort he was.

Because of his love for Moravian and his devotion to not just mathematics but also being a teacher, he chose to work up until his last days.

Math was far from Fred's only outlet. His garden was the talk of the block, growing tomatoes and cucumbers (which became the best pickles), a variety of peppers, flowers and herbs, many of which he shared along with the fresh bread he loved baking almost daily.

A huge University of Michigan football supporter, many Saturdays he dressed head to toe in Michigan gear while watching the Wolverines beat Ohio State. His love of music, not only as a fan, but as a guitar player meant the family home was always filled with the sounds of classic rock, blues and the like. He decided to trade in his six strings and pick up the bass guitar, taking any opportunity available to jam with friends and pretty much any local musician who would let him sit in.

Through his wife's family, he became a member at the St. Bernard's: Home of the Good Samaritans, a social and beneficial club in Bethlehem. Through most of his adult life, he devoted time to helping in any way he could there, by either holding a board position, helping with the books, bartending, or enjoying a refreshment at the bar.

Fred is survived by his wife Cathleen (Byrnes) Schultheis, their sons Eric, John and James, daughter Caitlin and husband Daniel Loch as well as siblings and in-laws Nancy Krause (Daniel), Peggy Williamson, Marie Schultheis (Ronald Zelezen) all of Bethlehem; many loving nieces and nephews (as well as a great niece, Jane Stuber who he adored); predeceased by his brothers who he missed every day, Alan Kulp and Carl Schultheis.

A calming presence, a loving husband and the most devoted father. Anyone who knew him was better off for it. Saying he will be missed is an understatement.

Service: Family and friends may pay their respects from 8-10AM with service to follow, Saturday, September 21, 2024 in the Connell Funeral Home, Inc. To honor Fred, dress how you feel most comfortable (as he would).

The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Allentown Rescue Mission in lieu of flowers.