William "Bill" Schultz
August 15, 1940 ~ March 14, 2014
William “Bill” Schultz, 73, has gone to be at peace with the Lord. On March 14th, 2014, Bill passed peacefully with his family by his side. William Edward Schultz was born to Gertrude (Scarr) and Arthur Schultz on August 15th, 1940 in Little Falls, MN. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1958. Following High School, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Saratoga in the Mediterranean Sea.
When he returned from service in 1962, he spent time working at Crestliner and Larson Boats in Little Falls. In 1969, he moved to Moorhead, MN and began working at Silverline. He later worked at GNC, Portland Food Products, and Webb Industries until he retired in 2008. After he retired, he worked part-time at Lunde Automotive.
In 1974, he married Rachel Greer in Dickey, ND. Together, they had two daughters, Roberta and Katie. Bill spent his life making those around him laugh. He was blessed with a quick wit and rarely let the opportunity to tell a joke pass him by. It was important to him to make everyone feel welcome and wanted all to be included. He was always generous with his love and his time. He was a second father to many of his daughters’ friends and always provided a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Bill had such a kind heart and found joy in so many things.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He made many trips to Northern Minnesota and Canada with his friends. In 1978, Bill and Rachel purchased a lake cabin on Big Cormorant Lake near Detroit Lakes, MN. This cabin provided much joy and many memories for Bill, his friends, and his family. He spent much of his time during the summer months chasing down turtles, untangling fishing lines, and driving the boat to keep everyone entertained. Occasionally he would grumble about mowing the lawn and maintaining the “work farm”, but he continued to do it because he knew how much it meant to his girls.
Bill was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He served on the church council and regularly worked in the welcome center. Bill took communion to members of the church who were not able to attend services. He was a lung cancer survivor of nearly 11 years and attended a weekly cancer support group where he made many friends who faced similar health challenges. He maintained close friendships with his former classmates and loved to help when it came time to organize a class reunion.
Bill’s greatest joys were his grandchildren, Emma (11), Will (4), and Kendall (2). He would have done anything for them if they would have asked. All too frequently, he was caught sneaking them something that was “off limits”. The kids were Papa’s world. Everywhere he went, everyone he talked to, he spoke of the kids and what he had planned for them next. He went to great lengths to make them happy. The kids were a part of everything he did. He wanted to spend as much time with them as he possibly could. Although he will not be here, Papa will always be a part of them and we will be sure that he lives on in their memories.
Bill is survived by his wife of 39 years, Rachel. Daughters, Roberta (Chris) Rieger, Walcott, ND, and Katie Schultz, Fridley MN. Grandchildren Emma, Will, and Kendall. Sister Joanne Nelson, Little Falls, MN and Brother Richard (Lila) Schultz, St. Cloud MN. Brother-in-law, Daniel (Karen) Kedrowski of McKinley MN. Many nieces and nephews who he loved as his own children.
He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Gertrude (Scarr) Schultz, Sister Karen Kedrowski, Brother-in-law, Dale Nelson, Brother-in-law Harold Greer, and Nephew Cory Kedrowski.
Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him and we are deeply saddened that his grandchildren will not have the opportunity to know what a beautiful man he truly was. I love you, Bill. We love you, Dad. We love you Papa. We love you Uncle Bill. We love you dear friend. Spread your “big wings” and watch over us.
Click below to view Bill's Video Tribute:
https://thetributecenter.com/TributePlayer/default.aspx?webvideoID=13576#/WebPlayerPage
Fargo NdMy prayers are with Rachel and her family as they process through their loss.
Minneapolis MN
So sorry for your loss, my prayers go out to you “Berta” and your family, my mom was a friend to your father and always had such wonderful things to say about him. God Bless you and your family.
Prior Lake MN
Rachel & family,
Bill was a great guy — warm, caring, & funny — but you already know that.
We know that your hearts are hurting with his loss right now, and you will miss him always. As time passes, we pray that all of the wonderful memories he made with you will ease your pain and bring smiles to your faces and, that you can rest secure in the knowledge that you will be together again one day in God’s heavenly kingdom.
We will be holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherieda & Jim
West Fargo ND
Bill was such a wonderful, loving, fun, and kind man. Is is a father to two amazing young ladies who loved and will FOREVER love him. He will always be missed but never forgotten.
Thank you Bill for being a beautiful person, a great husbasnd, father, and grandfather!! I as Katies friend know how loved all of us girls would enjoy it when you would come join us(you were the cool, fun, and funny dad)in our childish girly banter. You always made us laugh with your great sense of humor(which we appreciate you passing on to Katie!!)and you were never afraid to give Katie, Roberta, and all of their friends great, wise, worldly advise! You’ve left behind a wonderful family who will carry on your name and legacy with great strenth, pride, and, of course many laughs and a lot of love!! God rest you Bill!! With love forever, Ali.
Fort Ransom NORTH DAKOTAThoughts and Prayers with Bill’s family. Bill had a heart of gold and our family was deeply touched by his out pouring of compassion and concern for our son’s struggles and concern for our family. We were very grateful to have Bill in our lives and we will miss his calls, emails, letters, and phone calls. Thank you so much for sharing him with our family, what a blessing.
Reno Nevada The first time I met Bill, by the excitement that Rachel showed, I knew she had found a wonderful friend and companion. I was so happy for Rachel! They were such a great couple together and after they married, I always knew that their lives together would be enriched. As years passed, the few times that I made it back up to ND
to visit them, I could see the loving husband and father he was, and how very interested and involved he was with their lives. How blessed they were!
It was so nice to have known Bill and he can be so proud of the loving family that he had while here on this earth.
Moorhead MnBill I know you are watching over us at this time. We’ve had such a great time with you & Rachel over the years. You’ve been a wonderful friend not just to us but our daughters, and grandkids. You were always concerned how they were doing and helping with them in so many ways. We are going to miss you deeply!
minot ndI only had the chance to meet Bill once when Bill and Rachel stopped in Minot to see the fedex boys, From that meeting and all the stories that Rachel told me about him he must have been quite a guy. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Bismarck ND
Rachel & Family – We are so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Please know that we will be thinking about you today and in the days to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
brookkyn park Minnesota
My thoughts and prayers are with the Schultz family and friends. God be with you.
fargo ND
Dear Rachel, Berta and Katie:
So many fond memories….I worked with Bill for about 10 years during the GNC/Portland Food Products days. I was in Marketing, he in Purchasing…so we had to speak and see each other nearly every day. Such a wonderful man and dear friend. I am so sad I lost track of him and didn’t stay in touch. So wish I could attend the service but need to be traveling this week. I was able to meet his grandchildren when reconnecting with Berta through a gym. You are in my thoughts and prayers…..what a wonderful person…..
Edgeley ND
Ralph called to let us know about Bill. We send our love and prayers to all the family.
Many we love have passed away too soon. “We remember them often in a thousand different ways. In the morning. In the night. When we look at the stars. A Date. A song. A place (the cabin). In memory of all those who left us too soon………..”
May peace be with you all during this difficult time. You are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful man in your lives and I hope the memories will comfort you. I always loved talking to Bill with his sense of humor and gentle soul! Rachel would often come to work with a story about Will and Papa Bill. He charished those little grand kids! I once heard someone say, “when God picks flowers, he only picks the good ones”, and he took a beautiful one on March 14.
Ft. Myers FloridaIt was a privilege knowing Bill, great guy. Remember coaching girls basketball with him, those were special times.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Merced CADear Rachel, May all who love & care for you be of great comfort to you and your family at this time. Blessings to you and your family. In Sympathy, Gleneda
My thoughts and prayers are with Rachel, Roberta, and Katie. Bill was my neighbor growing up. He was very kind and generous man. I remember he would snow blow our driveway when my step dad was out of town. I also got to know him as I babysat Roberta and Katie for many years. I remember they had a jukebox that he would patiently listen to us sing a long with the record that was playing. Bill will be greatly missed.
Kindred ND
Dear Roberta, Chris and family,
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear father and grandfather, Bill.
Bob and Julie Mitchell
De Pere WiFrom that “special supper” some years
ago to now, Bill was and will be in our
memory. As you walk thru the sands of
life you will notice that Jesus’s footprints
are there with yours and they will always
be.
Shalom
We love you and miss you so much. We will treasure our cabin memories forever. You were more than just our great uncle Bill you were our “grandpa” too. Thank you so much for loving us.
Tomah WIDear All,
We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words to express our sadness for your loss. Bill was a wonderful caring man and we all know he will be missed. We will just have to take comfort in the fact that we will see him again in our Father’s Kingdom. You will continue to be in our hearts and prayers. If there is anything we can do for you please don’t hesitate to ask. We are here for you even if miles may separate us. Hearts are always close. We love you all very much!!!! The Benders
Little Falls MN
Rachael, girls and families, We are so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He is truly a great man and will be watching over everyone from the Heaven’s above. We have many fond memories of our time knowing this great funny and wonderful man. We will see you this coming weekend. All our love and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.