Delbert R. Schultz
Delbert R. Schultz entered eternal life on February 12, 2022.
On February 4, 1936, Del was born to Viola (Raddatz) and Reuben Schultz in Oshkosh, WI. After spending time as a child living in Omro, WI, he moved with his family to Chilton, WI in 1947. A 1954 graduate of Chilton High School, Del received his Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-La Crosse in 1958 with majors in science and physical education.
Del’s teaching and coaching career began in Mauston, WI in 1958, and on July 3, 1960, he married Bonnie J. nee Hedrich in Chilton, WI. They resided in Mauston until 1962 when Del accepted a teaching and football/track coaching position at Sabish Junior High School in Fond du Lac, WI. In 1965 he received his Master of Science Degree in Physical Education and in 1970 earned his Master of Science Degree in Secondary School Administration. From 1970 to 1989 he served as the Assistant Principal of Theisen Junior High School and in 1989 became the Principal of Sabish Junior High School. Del served as an inspiring, kind, and caring educator for thirty-six years with many former students acknowledging their appreciation of his demand for excellence.
In addition to Del’s educational responsibilities, he was co-founder and co-operator of Mr. Steak and Dairy Queen West in Fond du Lac.
Sports were important to Del, and he played football in high school and college. Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers invited him to their football camp, knee surgery as a senior in college ended his football career. He spent twenty years as a member of the South Shore Officials Association and worked as an official of football and basketball games during that time.
As a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Del served in numerous capacities: President of Hope Congregation, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible Class teacher, Church Elder, Men’s Club member, and chairman of many committees. His love of God was evident throughout his life in church, school, and community as he worked for the benefit of others.
Del and Bonnie travelled extensively throughout the United States and foreign countries. Their love of learning led them to take each of their grandchildren on an Intergenerational trip sponsored by the Road Scholar program and to participate in numerous adult trips available through the same group.
When Del retired in 1994, an article in the Fond du Lac Reporter concerning carving classes at the Fond du Lac Senior Center attracted him. He attended carving classes in the senior centers in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. Eventually, bird carving became his area of expertise, and his family became the delighted recipients of his talent in carving various birds.
Surviving Del are his devoted family members: Bonnie, his wife of 61 years; his daughter, Kerry (Don) Brandner of West Bend, WI; daughter, Lynnette (John) Hoch of Columbus, WI; son, Callan (Brenda) of Oshkosh, WI; and son, Andrew of Fond du Lac. He cherished his grandchildren: Anthony Brandner, Sarah (Jason) Baron, Cassandra Hoch, Francesca (Kyle Neuman) Hoch, Calla (Alex) Springer, Mason (fiancé, Jennifer Rowinski) Schultz, Sydney Schultz, Caleb Schultz, and great-grandchildren Lane Neuman and Annie Baron.
Del’s parents, Reuben and Viola (Raddatz) Schultz, and sister, Lorraine Schultz, preceded him in death.
VISITATION: The family will greet friends from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent Street, Fond du Lac.
SERVICE: Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Hope Lutheran Church, with Rev. Phillip Enderle officiating. Inurnment will be held at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Ledgeview Memorial Park.
Memorials may be directed to Hope Lutheran Church or a recipient of your choice.
Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, on-line guestbook can be found at www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420