Karl A. Scholze, age 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Garden Ridge, Texas, on July 31, 2026. It was the same home where he and his beloved wife, Barbara, spent nearly sixty years building a life together, raising their family, and creating countless treasured memories. Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, his family finds comfort in a life well lived and in knowing he has been reunited with Barbara, the love of his life. 

Karl was born on March 14, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas, to German immigrant parents, Johannes and Johanna Scholze. Their love story was remarkable. Seeking greater opportunity before World War II, Johannes came to Texas, where he joined an uncle in San Antonio and began a wood-carving business. A year later, he sent for his sweetheart, Johanna. Because she was not yet a United States resident, the couple was married aboard the ship by its captain in the Houston Ship Channel before she was permitted to disembark.

And so began the Scholze family's American story.

As a young boy, Karl had the opportunity to visit relatives in Germany, giving him a lifelong appreciation for his family's heritage and the sacrifices his parents made to build a new life in America.

Karl graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1948, where he enjoyed an active social life as a member of the unofficial fraternity known as "The Chows." The friendships he formed there endured throughout his lifetime.

After graduating from St. Mary's University, where he participated in the ROTC program, Karl was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, an experience that reflected his lifelong sense of duty and commitment.

Before leaving for military service in 1953, Karl married the love of his life, Barbara Fortassain, also a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. After returning home from Korea, the two settled in San Antonio and began a marriage that would span seventy-two wonderful years—a partnership rooted in love, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Karl possessed a natural gift for sales, which became the foundation of a lifelong career in the heavy equipment industry. He traveled throughout South Texas providing machinery to construction companies and municipal maintenance departments, helping build the infrastructure of the rapidly growing region. Family road trips often included unexpected detours down country roads as Karl searched for road construction projects and equipment, much to the amusement of his family. His career eventually led him to establish Scholze Equipment Company, where he earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and treating customers like friends. Those who worked with Karl knew that a handshake from him meant something.

In 1968, while calling on a customer in Comal County, Karl discovered a gravel road leading to a new subdivision that would become Garden Ridge. After taking Barbara to see the area, they knew they had found something special. They built their home there, becoming one of the first five families in the community.

That house became much more than a home. It was where three children grew up, grandchildren eagerly gathered for holidays and family celebrations, and six greatgrandchildren filled the rooms with laughter. It remained the center of the Scholze family for nearly six decades and the place where Karl and Barbara spent the rest of their lives together.

Karl believed in taking care of both his body and his spirit. He embraced an active lifestyle long before fitness became fashionable. Whether jogging through the neighborhood, swimming laps in his backyard pool, cycling the scenic roads of Comal County, or enjoying a game of tennis or golf, he found joy in staying healthy and active. He even completed several 100-mile bicycle rides through the Texas Hill Country.

One of Karl's greatest pleasures, however, was fishing the Gulf Coast jetties. He especially loved spending time with Barbara at their condominium in Port Aransas, where countless happy days were spent enjoying the coast they both loved.

Karl's Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout his life. As a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Selma, he faithfully served as an usher for many years and generously gave his time on numerous parish committees. His faith was something he lived quietly through service, kindness, and compassion.

Above all else, Karl was devoted to his family. He and Barbara lovingly raised three children: Lisa Scholze Batey (Mike), Larry Scholze (Cheryl), and Lamar Scholze (Sylwia).

Yet of all the roles he held throughout his life, his favorite was simply "Grampy." He adored his four grandchildren—Sarah Batey Sierra (JJ), Amy Scholze Uniacke (Eric), Michael Scholze (Shelby), and Julia Barbara Scholze—and delighted in every moment spent with his six great-grandchildren: Zachary and Nathan Sierra, Madeline and Emma Uniacke, and Bailey and Collins Scholze. Whether attending family gatherings, sharing stories, or simply spending time together, nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his family grow.

Karl will be remembered for his quiet kindness, unwavering integrity, steadfast faith, love of the outdoors, and deep devotion to those he loved. He lived with humility, worked tirelessly, kept his word, and found joy in life's simple pleasures. His legacy is reflected not only in the business he built or the community he helped shape, but in the values he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Karl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his parents, Johannes and Johanna Scholze; and his brother, Hans Scholze. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in knowing that he and Barbara are together once again.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Karl's devoted caregivers—Connie Costello, Debbie Norris, Yolanda Martinez, John Rusuriye, Denise Garcia, and Cheryl Matovich— as well as the compassionate staff of Qualicare, Dr. Anthony Basel and his staff, and Hope Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided during Karl's final days.

A Holy Mass celebrating Karl's life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Selma, Texas, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following at the OLPH Pastoral Center. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites those wishing to honor Karl’s memory to consider a memorial gift to one of the following organizations:

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

St. Vincent de Paul Society

16075 N. Evans Rd

Selma, Texas 78154

• South Texas Children’s Home Ministries

stchm.org/give

• Any other non-profit of your choosing