David J. Schurz

David J. Schurz, 87, of North Wales, died Saturday, October 10, 2026. Born February 13, 1939, in Easton, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Catherine (Grant) Schurz. He was raised in South Easton and graduated from Easton High School in 1957.

David then served his country honorably in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18), where he worked on the crew operating the catapults used to launch aircraft from the flight deck.

After his service, he returned to Easton, where he married and had three children, Corrine, Alicia, and David. He was deeply involved in his hometown, serving on the Easton Area Public Schools Board of Directors and the Vestry of St. John's Lutheran Church, and working on civic efforts to revitalize South Easton as a Community Advisor to the Easton Redevelopment Authority. David was also a proud member of the local N.A.A.C.P. and the Southside Community Center, and he was a driving force in organizing and running the Southside Bicentennial Celebration in 1976.

He started his career as a printer and later became the National Sales Manager for the U.S. and Canada Book Division at Rodale Press. He met Marian at Rodale Press, and they married in 1986 and moved to Bucks County, where they had two daughters, Catherine (Cate) Nora and Maeve Elizabeth. David continued working in book publishing and international marketing. After retiring in the early 2000s, he spent his time raising his daughters and occasionally consulting in his field.

While living in Southampton, David continued investing in every community he lived in. He became an active member of God’s Love Lutheran Church, Newtown, helping run its men’s ministry group and other activities. Nearby, he taught golf lessons, or, as he called it, his “sweet swing,” to young golfers. David and his wife hosted many au pairs and foreign exchange students, building relationships around the world. He also continued his passion for politics, campaigning for Democratic candidates in the area. In 2009, he was proud to bring his daughters to Barack Obama's presidential inauguration, the United States' first African American President.

In 2009, David moved to North Wales with his family. There, he joined Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale, where he volunteered actively and graduated from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Diakonia, a lay leadership training program.

Later in life, he rejoiced when his daughter was ordained as a Lutheran minister, a path he strongly encouraged. He frequently visited her church, St. Stephen’s Lutheran, Feasterville. At the end of his life, David moved to Bristol Borough to be close to his daughter Maeve and son-in-law, Connor Schmiegel.

A lifelong reader, David also loved seeing his grandkids, exploring new cultures and traveling, watching sports and fishing, sharing God’s grace, and meeting strangers who often became friends.

David is survived by his wife, Marian, and their daughter, the Rev. Maeve Schmiegel (Connor) of Levittown, PA, and his three children from his first marriage, Corrine Schurz (Keren Joy Carr) of Lansing, MI, Alicia Soltmann (William) of The Woodlands, TX, and David L. Schurz (Mariza) of Kalispell, MT; four grandchildren, Hannah and Aaron Soltmann, and Sophia and Sinjin Schurz; his sisters, Kathleen Concannon of Haymarket, VA, Claire Mutter, also of Haymarket, and Jeanne Miller of Florida; his best friend and brother Maurice B. Wright (Elda) of Boston, MA. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Fritzo, and brother-in-law, Gerry Mutter. He was also tragically preceded in death by his daughter, Cate, whom he loved dearly. After Cate’s death, David cared for her dog, Tanner, until Tanner went home to Cate–where David now joins them both.

Relatives and friends may call after 9:30 a.m. November 13, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the church columbarium. Arrangements are by the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.