Hugo Josef Hans Schielke, age 87, of Monroe County, TN, formerly of Boca Raton, FL, and Rockville, MD, passed away quietly at his home in the Ballplay Community on Saturday, December 13, 2025 after being under hospice care since January, 2025.

He 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.

Hugo was a lifelong learner who carried his curiosity across the globe. He graduated from the University of Berlin in Germany and later obtained his Master of 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 advisor to his clients until 2014 when his health began to fail.

In 2003, Hugo and Ivy found their true sanctuary on fifty 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 Hugo was to know the joy of his “Oktoberfest hospitality”, passion for tennis, love of world travel, his community service through the Madisonville Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, and Ballplay Ruritan Club, or standing in faith with service to the Catholic Church in the Knights of Columbus. Hugo 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. First wife and mother of his children, Mary Dwyer; his 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 will be remembered with a Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Madisonville, TN with Rev. Dr. Julius Abuh officiating. Everyone is invited to attend a Celebration of Life Luncheon immediately following Mass in the Social Hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be sent to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church at 649 Old Tellico Hwy N. Madisonville, TN 37354. Cards to the family may be mailed to P.O. Box 926, Tellico Plains, TN, 37385. The family would like to thank St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and Myers Funeral Home for coordinating arrangements.