This is a biography and obituary of the German Democratic Republic palynologist Dr Eberhard Schulz (1931–2017). A pioneer in Mesozoic palynology, he established, together with other important palynologists of that time, the basis of today's palynological research, especially in the Triassic and Jurassic of Eastern Germany. His comprehensive range charts, numerous new type descriptions, and beautiful and informative illustrations were and still are a valuable contribution to our field. In addition, his professional life and heritage not only illustrate an important period of advances in palynology during the 1950s to 1970s, but also give us an insight in German history, and the restrictions and challenges that scientists faced in the German Democratic Republic.