Gerald Schutz
December 14, 1938 ~ June 10, 2022
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Jerry has finished the long goodbye! He slipped his worldly cares for a new home in heaven.
Jer was born on Dec. 14, 1938 in Fargo, ND to Joe and Bertha (Donner) Schutz. His education was in Fargo’s Catholic schools; St. Mary’s, Holy Spirit and Shanley, then on to NDSU to study architecture. He was a Bison fan through and through.
At the ripe old age of 20, Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Fosteson of Fargo and by 1964 they had four sons: Mark, Mike, Tim and Dan. Mary and Jerry always celebrated their first date, which was 66 years ago dancing at the Crystal Ballroom as well as celebrating their marriage of 63 years.
Work was in Jerry’s blood, starting with paper routes, for the Fargo Forum and the Minneapolis Tribune. He delivered 125 Tribs and 90 Forums on Sunday mornings. His love of traveling started with the many trips to Minneapolis that he won hustling Tribune subscriptions. Shoveling snow, cutting grass and weeding gardens for neighbors added to his work ethic and put change in his pockets. While going to college, Jer designed houses and helped build them at Eid-Co. Foss Architects became aware of his talent at drawing perspectives and offered him a job. Twenty Five years later he was a part-owner of Foss Architects and the manager of their Billings office. In 1987 he traded his ownership in Foss Architects for full ownership of the Billings office which he named Schutz Foss Architects. In 1997 he sold his business and retired to the lake cabin near Detroit Lakes, MN. The D.L. Vo Tech needed a teacher for CADD drafting so Jer filled in for a semester, then hired his students to draft for him as he continued his career in Architecture. At 74 he decided not to renew his license and retired to make sawdust; the product was unimportant.
Service to others was also in his blood, starting with being an altar boy. There were many organizations he volunteered his time to including the Jaycees – N.D. state president, N.D. 21st District Republican – Chairman, Boys and Girls Clubs – Board Chairman in Billings and in Detroit Lakes, – St. Anthony’s Football Team – coach for two years, Eagle Mount – Board Chairman in Billings, Breakfast Rotary – President in Detroit Lakes. Besides serving on many boards, he was a fund raiser extraordinaire. “The truth is that it never crossed his mind that if he asked you, you wouldn’t give, and why? Because he spent his whole life giving.” (author unknown).
Jerry had many other interests including travel to all 50 states, all but two Canadian Provinces, 26 countries in Europe, several trips to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. He also enjoyed flower gardening; woodworking; painting – mostly landscapes, playing cards – bridge, whist and cribbage, wine and entertaining.
Jer left behind his wife Mary, 3 sons: Mark (Lana Suomala) and Michael (Ann) in Fargo and Timothy (Kristi) in Monument, CO, two sisters: Jeannette Klinkhammer in Moorhead and Mary (Charles) Platt in Naples, FL, seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding him in death: his parents Joseph and Bertha (Donner) Schutz, two brothers: Jerome and Donald, one sister: Gloria Meyer, son Daniel and grandson Daniel Austin.
All are welcome to a celebration of life gathering Friday evening in Fargo (6:00 to 8:00 PM at the 400 Building – Powers Hotel) Funeral will be at 10:30 Saturday, June 18th at Holy Rosary Church in Detroit Lakes. Visitation one hour prior at 9:30. Burial will take place at 3 PM Saturday at Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
We have lost a loving husband, father, mentor, giver and community leader. We carry his inspiration and his love with us.
Services
Visitation: June 18, 2022 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Holy Rosary Catholic Church
1043 Lake Ave Detroit Lakes
MN, 56501
Gathering of Family and Friends: June 17, 2022 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
400 Building (Powers Hotel)
400 Broadway North
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Mary and boys: Please accept my most Sincere Sympathy. I met Jerry when I worked at the Boulger Funeral Home and he made arrangements for his Father’s funeral. I later journeyed with him on the Jay Cee travels. The 4 little boys were adorable, especially Danny, who could not walk. Jerry and Mary were a great family. It is 51 years that I last saw you guys.. Please accept my most Sincere Sympathy. Matt Schatz, Pierre, SD
Hi Matty,you came up in our conversation yesterday. Thank you for being such a great human.
When you think of Jerry Schutz , it puts a smile on your face! He and Mary raised four Great boys and was great to All of “us” kids growing up. God Bless Jerry!
Sorry for your loss. Jerry was one of the very best!
Kids don’t always take an interest in their parents’ friends. Jerry and Mary were constant favorites for me as a child, however, and Jerry was always interested in what we were doing and what we thought. It was clear he was a great person who gave more to the world than he took from it. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a more lovely couple and I’ll always remember fondly my time spent with both of them.
Just talked to my mom to let her know about your dad. He was a couple of years older then her but she remembers him at St. Mary’s and Shanley. I’m so grateful our families were apart of St. Anthony’s which gave us many happy memories Prayers to you and your family and also a big hug for your mom.
Mary our prayers are with you and your family on the death of Jerry. I remember Jerry as a neighbor on the north side of Fargo and the Jaycees.
Worked with Jerry for many years at Foss and even a few projects in DL. He was the one that made me feel need so welcome. His talent of drawing and design were outstanding. Started in Dec 1966 at Foss in Electrical department and were in the little building across from Fargo Foundry.. Jerry was there and we had such fun. (great memories) He will be missed by many. Jerry and Mary baby sat are two boys for the first time. My wife cried all the entire weekend but the boys had a great time with there boys.
Jerry was the BEST of men. I will always remember the things he did for me and Detroit Lakes. At
Rotary he was there to share his smile and giving spirit!!! I loved when he stopped to visit me, he always
made you feel you mattered and make a difference!! I also appreciate how he shared his faith in his actions.
Thanks for making the world a better place, you will be missed!!
Mary and family, many memories from the years of Jaycee activities. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Anita Dobbs
I remember Jerry from my time teaching at St. Anthony’s. He cared deeply about the education the children received and he was always willing to do his part to make improvements around the school and to raise funds to see that needs were met. His support was greatly appreciated. He and Mary raised engaged and delightful sons who were a joy to teach.
I hope you will always feel Jerry’s presence in your hearts and that you will forever hear his gentle voice and feel his loving touch.
Susan Kolstad
Dear Mary and Family, I will remember Jerry, always courteous and caring ,and interested in what you were doing. I kind of lost touch with some after I retired and no longer went to Rotary. He was a big part of and you were always there Mary supporting him. Bless you in your sixty three years together that God gave you both. Bless be his memory’s, he will be missed.
Mary and Jerry were loving parents and they shared this love to so many.
Their family values and christian faith were always appreciated and still treasured.
Sincere Sympathies
I was president of the Williston Jaycees the year Gerry was state president of the North Dakota Jaycees.
We then moved to Fargo
I had season tickets for Gerry’s Bison
Even though I was a Montana State Bobcat alumni.
He was an inspiring leader
Mary, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Jerry was a wonderful person and talented architect. Marv
When I would see Uncle Jerry and Aunt Mary at the rare event I was able to attend, when turning towards them, I would always receive the most beautiful smile from both. When I approached, they would always ask with sincerity how my family and I were doing. Not in a conversational way, but in a truly caring way. I would hold their hands and feel tremendous joy at having such a lovely aunt and uncle.
Thank you Uncle Jerry for being such a strong person and giving to all who knew you and all that you are to your wonderful family.
Your niece Jeannell
Mary, please accept my deepest condolences regarding Jerry’s death. You’re both in my prayers. I always loved seeing both of your smiling faces. My day was always brighter after a visit with you both!
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him.
I remember him best for his unflinching confidence, outgoing friendliness and volunteerism at St. Anthony’s. My father, Leness Laliberte and Gerry worked together at Foss and shared interests in the lake life. God bless Gerry, Mary and all the Schutz boys.
Remembering the good times we shared during our Jaycee days.
I was very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Jerry and I spent a lot of wind shield time driving all over Montana and Wyoming in the 80’s selling design/build projects. At the time it was a new concept. Spending time with Jerry and seeing how he looked at life and handled adversity had a profound positive impact on me. Jerry may be the most influential person I have ever met.
I worked for Hebron Brick Company in Billings, MT while Jerry was there and frequently made sales calls to his office. I was barely a kid and he was always very kind and encouraging to me. I have never forgotten that influence he had on me and will always be grateful. Deepest sympathies and prayers to his family. God bless you.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Your family was always welcoming. My fond memories are those at St. Anthony’s. You are in my prayers.