Rolf Schulte

Born on April 6, 1938, in Meschede, Germany, Rolf grew up in the village of Wenholthausen. At the age of 16, he entered into an apprenticeship with a chef. His first position was as a chef steward with the German Merchant Marines, where he worked in the ship’s kitchen while traveling the world, an experience that sparked both adventure and his love of photography.

In 1962, Rolf immigrated to Canada’s Northwest Territories to mine for gold. He later settled in New York City, where he worked as a chef at the renowned German restaurant Luchow’s. While there, he met Birgit Stelck and they married in 1965. In 1968, they relocated to Lake Placid, drawn by his German friends who had recently moved there and its similarities to his native Germany.

In 1971, Rolf and Birgit purchased Hurley’s Motel on Cascade Road, a small family-run business with cabins and a house. Rolf expanded the property by hand, building two more buildings and additional rooms. He not only crafted a successful livelihood but also created a space that welcomed travelers and reflected the warmth of his German heritage.

Rolf was a self-taught craftsman whose attention to detail shaped not only a thriving business but also a beautiful home. His artistry extended to inspired stained-glass windows and finished work that reflected both his precision and his creativity.

He was also a talented photographer, expertly capturing the natural beauty of the world around him. In 2008, he opened A Point of View Gallery with his daughter Margarete, showcasing his work alongside that of other local artists. In 2013, he published Adirondack Panoramas, a stunning collection of his work. His images, featured in Adirondack businesses, hotels, resorts and great camps, continue to inspire awe and appreciation for the wilderness.

Rolf was predeceased by his parents, Ludwig and Margarete Schulte, and his sisters Hannelotte Willmes and Eva Schulte (infant) and his nephew Mario. He is survived by the mother of his children, Birgit, and his four children: Elke Betters, Dietmar (Meriam) Schulte, Elisabeth (John) Cottom and Margarete (Sven) Schulte. He was an Opa to Christopher (Kaitlyn), Rachel, Courtney, Zach (Mariah), Jacob, Isaiah, Johnny, Edgar and Ellen and a great-grandfather to many. He was an uncle to Phillipp (Polina) and Alexander Schulte. He also leaves behind his siblings Dietmar Schulte and Gunther Schulte, along with the close-knit German community of Lake Placid, to whom he felt connected.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service and time to share stories and remembrances starting at 6 p.m. at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. Family and friends are invited to share a story or memory of Rolf — stories that reflect his strength, creativity and wilderness-loving soul.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to High Peaks Hospice and to Monica Corrow for their compassionate care during Rolf’s final days.

Memorial donations may be made in Rolf’s name to High Peaks Hospice at highpeakshospice.org

Rolf’s life was a journey across continents, through forests, kitchens and quiet lakeshores. He found his peace in the forest, his joy in the mountains and his wisdom in the wild.

As Goethe wrote: “Die Natur ist das einzige Buch, das auf allen Blattern grossen Gehalt bietet.”

“Nature is the only book that offers great content on every page.”

May he now rest among the pages he cherished most in the Adirondack Mountains.