County of bakery: Franklin County
Location of bakery: W. 5th St. & Klingsick Lane, Washington
Phone: (636) 239-2300
"Baking was always a passion for Leo Schulte; he worked in a bakery with his brothers
when he was younger. Leo was a cook in the US Army, serving in WWII. In his early
years, he attended the Dunwoody Baking School in Minnesota. After marrying Evelyn
Diener, the young couple moved to Illinois and made that their home for 11 years.
"During that time, Leo worked in an electrical plant, But it was his final job in Illinois that
would solidify his culinary path—he was the head cook at an area hospital. While he was
employed as the cook, he began baking items as special treats for the patients. On one
of the couple’s return trips to Washington to visit Evelyn’s family, they decided to
purchase a vacant lot on west 5th street.Construction was started by Washington
contractor Jim Sieve, and completed in 1959. In late October of that year, Leo and Evelyn
opened Schulte’s Bakery; the bakery operates out of that same structure today. All five
of Leo and Evelyn’s children—Judy, Alice, Leo, Paul and Donna—grew up working in the
bakery. Judy and Alice remain in management of the business today.Everything is still
made the way they were taught by their dad. All doughnuts and pastries are made fresh
daily. They also make and sell breads, cakes and cookies.Their specialty is decorated
cakes and cookies for all occasions (even custom requests). All products are made
wholesome fresh, without preservatives.
"The Schulte family has dedicated the last 57 years to baking for the people of this
community and it has been a sincere pleasure! The support received during this time has
been a blessing and helps to continue the dream that was started by Leo and Evelyn in
1959.
Thank you for your continued business,
Judy Thomas and Alice Wehrle" ~ Schulte's Bakery