Raymond William Schultz 1925-2012

SCHULTZ, MAJERES, DRESCH

Posted By: Mary Sicard (email)
Date: 11/28/2013 at 09:34:04

MISSOULA, Mont. - Raymond William Schultz, age 87, died Jan. 25, 2012 at Riverside Health Care in Missoula, Mont., Ray was born May 18, 1925 in Dell Rapids, S.D. to George and Angeline (Majeres) Schultz. He grew up on a farm north of Dell Rapids with his four brothers Leon, John, Harold and Lloyd during the "Dirty Thirties" which, he would say, added a little "spice" to each meal. During these less-than-favorable economic times, he hinted that he was somewhat envious of his older brothers who always got the new bib overalls and shoes. In his adult life, Ray never owned anything made of blue denim and appreciated a pair of well polished Florsheim dress shoes.

Ray attended St. Mary's Academy in Dell Rapids, graduating from high school in May, 1943. After enlisting in the US Navy in 1945, he was stationed on hospital ship USS Repose in the Pacific. It was during a shore leave in Shanghai that Ray made a vocal recording, similar to a 45 rpm record, in which he professed a great appreciation for South Dakota and her people, one young lady in particular. That recording (which was rediscovered in the 1970's) was sent to his fellow graduate of St. Mary's Academy, Aurlena Dresch. After being discharged as Yeoman 3rd class in August 1946, Ray returned to South Dakota and attended the University of South Dakota graduating May 1950 with a degree in Business Administration. That year became even more monumental for him when, a month after graduation, Ray married Aurlena Dresch. Ray and Arlene settled in Fort Dodge, IA and then relocated to Madison, S.D. where they lived for the next 15 years raising their four boys, Charlie, Bill, Jeff and Tim. Ray worked for John Morrell meat packing company as an accountant and office manager, transferring to Estherville in 1971.

Ray mentored his boys in baseball, bikes, boating and the business world via paper routes. He was a passionate skilled pheasant hunter and passed those traits on to his sons. Being a prolific wood carver, he provided friends and relatives with gifts of totem poles and Christmas figurines. Ray took great pride in his garden and lawn. Social events centered around square dancing with the Bustle Rustlers, coffee with the neighbor gents and church activities at St. Patrick's. Ray moved to Missoula, MT in 2011 to be more involved with his sons. During his stay at Riverside Health Care, Ray got the most enjoyment from visitors, especially if they were armed with homemade cookies or a strawberry milk shake.

Ray is survived by his sons and their wives Charlie and Terri, Anacortes, Wash, Bill and Cindy, Missoula, Mont, Jeff and Mary, Fair Oaks, Calif., Tim and Angela, Harrison, Idaho; five grandchildren, Andy, Sam, Katie, Ellison and Colson; two brothers, Harold and Lloyd. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene and brothers John and Leon. A service and burial in Estherville will be held at a later date. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, January, 27, 2012)