Hugo Josef Hans Schielke, age 87, of Monroe County, formerly of Boca Raton, Fla., and Rockville, Md., passed away quietly at his home in the Ballplay community on Dec. 13 after being under hospice care since January 2025.
Mr. Schielke was born in Wehrden, Germany, on March 4, 1938. As a child during World War II, his family fled their home only to find upon return that it had been partially bombed and occupied by strangers.
Mr. Schielke was a lifelong learner who carried his curiosity across the globe. He graduated from the University of Berlin in Germany and later obtained a master’s degree in business administration from American University in Washington, D.C. His sharp mind and financial wisdom led him to a distinguished career with various investment banks, including the World Bank and Bear Stearns. He continued as a financial adviser to his clients until 2014, when his health began to fail.
In 2003, Mr. Schielke and his wife, Ivy, found their true sanctuary on 50 timbered acres in East Tennessee. After the purchase of his new tractor, he refreshed his vast collection of old-school woodworking tools, harvested his own timber to build two barns, and expanded the family home with his own hands. Here they lived a simple yet very fulfilling life together.
To know Mr. Schielke was to know the joy of his “Oktoberfest hospitality,” his many interests, and his faith, with service to the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Schielke possessed a humble, generous spirit that touched everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Augusta Quirin and Hugo Gustav Schielke, and his three siblings, Ursel, Anna, and Jürgen.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Yvonne “Ivy” Schielke, who remained by his side throughout his long decline; and his first wife and the mother of his children, Mary Dwyer.
Mr. Schielke’s legacy of love and strength is carried forward by his three children, H.J., Erik (Danielle), and Mark (Ginnie); and his cherished grandchildren, Ian and Sabrina.
He was remembered with a funeral Mass on Jan. 3 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville, with Father Julius Abuh serving as the Mass celebrant. Donations in Mr. Schielke’s memory may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church, 649 Old Tellico Highway N., Madisonville, TN 37354.