Adelheide "Heidi" Schutzler

Adelheide “Heidi” Schutzler, 87, of Lititz, PA, died peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Brethren Village. Born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Michler and Sophie Schuchmann. Adelheide was the beloved wife of Herwig Georg Schutzler for 66 years. A lifelong musician, Heidi was a talented coloratura soprano and treasured member of the Lancaster Opera Company and the Lancaster Symphony Chorus. She also sang for many years in the Highland Presbyterian Church Choir and St. James Episcopal Church Choir. Heidi found great joy in sharing her passion with all those who love music. Just as music filled her soul, so too did the water. Heidi was drawn to the ocean and found peace in swimming, body surfing, and playing in the open sea with dolphins and whales. She served for many years as the Aquatics Director for the Manheim Township Parks and Recreation Department, the Hempfield Township Recreation Center, and Head Swimming Coach for Overlook and Skyline Pools. She launched her career in and around pools at Golden Meadows Pool and Lancaster Aquatic Club. She was a Lifeguard Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross. Until cancer eroded her strength at the age of 86, Heidi swam at least a mile three times a week. Together with her husband, Herwig, Heidi traveled the world, gaining a deep appreciation for many cultures. Her interest in the local Amish community grew into a meaningful relationship—one that inspired her to serve as a fluent, German-speaking tour guide for the Amish Farm and House. She later authored and published a book, with help from her friends in the Amish community, for German tourists to fully appreciate all they experienced as they explored the area. In addition to her husband, Heidi is survived by her sons, Michael (Cari) Schutzler and Peter (Kate) Schutzler; four grandchildren, Magdalena (Annie) Schutzler and their two daughters, Megan (Cole) Manaster, Erik Schutzler, and Hannah Schutzler; and her niece, Susanne Seifert. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Anneliese. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A brief reception will be held after the service. Interment is invitation only. Heidi and Herwig are both keen on helping Native Americans. They ask that no flowers be sent and that any memorial contributions be made to Soaring Eagle, a nonprofit that aligns with Heidi’s values and providing elder care for Native American communities: https://soaringeagle.org/get-involved/donate/