Stephan Fuelts

Stephan Fuelts, born Istvan Fultz on August 4, 1938, in Budapest, Hungary, passed away on July 13, 2026, at the age of 87. He was the son of Matyias and Anna (née Laboranovics) Fultz and grew up with his three brothers—Karl, Mathias, and Emmerich. The Second World War was a nightmare he survived along with many others, never forgetting those who did not. Stephan lived the American Dream of an immigrant who left a war-devastated homeland in search of a new life.

In 1956 he immigrated to America, where his brother Karl had already settled. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963, then made his home in Chicago, Illinois. There he met his future wife, Pauline Schmetzko. Together they attended German dances and became part of a close-knit circle of European immigrants who kept in touch throughout their whole lives.

After starting their family, Stephan and Pauline moved to Skokie, Illinois. In 1977 he realized a long-held dream of owning land and relocated the family to southwest Missouri. There he opened a machine shop called Omega Mold. He also raised beef cattle, planted fruit trees, and gardened extensively. He loved the woods and the land and his wife’s cooking. Whether it was tracking weather patterns, day-trading, or exploring wellness supplements, he kept an active and curious mind. His other hobbies included maintaining a coin collection and birdwatching. He became a U.S. citizen in 1987. He admired classic American cars and cowboy movies, yet remained a lifelong fan of soccer and paprika.

Over the years, many friends and family members visited the farm, and the Fuelts family often made the drive back to Chicago to see Karl and their circle of old friends.

Pauline passed away in 2020. In his later years Stephan learned to cook, walked his beloved land daily, and faithfully fed the wild turkeys, deer, and a group of semi-feral cats who had claimed him as their own.

He is survived by his brother Emmerich in Germany; his son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Candi; his granddaughter Ally; his daughter, Andrea Fuelts; and many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2027 at Hazelwood Cemetery.