SHULTZ, Paul Gene 1946-2012

SHULTZ, PRESTON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/3/2013 at 12:31:19

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA — Paul Gene Shultz passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 25, 2012.

Paul was born December 16, 1946, in Charles City, Iowa. Paul grew up on the farm one mile south of Marble Rock, Iowa. When not working on the farm he could be found on the nearby Shell Rock River ice skating, swimming, canoeing or making a homemade raft and trying to float to an island.

Paul graduated from Rudd, Rockford and Marble Rock Consolidated School, attended NIACC in Mason City and in 1966 enlisted in the Sea Bees. He was with the United States Navy Construction Battalion MCB#5 in Vietnam during his tour of duty.

In 1968, after returning from Vietnam, he moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where he lived until his death. Paul owned a contracting excavation business. He never needed to advertise. His reputation for getting the job done right was well known.

In the winters, since there was little excavation work, Paul did a great deal of reading, woodworking and traveling. He could build just about anything he put his mind to; he built an ice sailboat, which he sailed on Kluane Lake; an ultra-light plane, which he flew out of Metro Field.

He loved to travel and went on many adventures throughout the world. Wherever Paul went he made many new friends, who he always invited to visit his beloved Alaska. For many years Paul volunteered at an International Hostel Home for people visiting Alaska who needed a place to stay. Paul had friends from “many places.”

Paul never married. However, his Alaska friends and their families became “his family.” Paul always shared his interests and hobbies with children and young adults, taking every opportunity to “teach” them.

He was always up for canoeing the upper Chena River; helping Boy Scouts construct projects to earn merit badges; building child-size rocking chairs, toy boxes and furniture for friends; and sharing travel books and stories. Paul’s gifts were typically handmade and built to perfection. If one of his Alaska kids asked Paul to build something, he always responded with “yes, you will build it and I will help.” He did this with patience and kindness.

He kept honeybees in the summer, generously supplying his friends with fresh Alaska honey each fall. Paul touched so many lives of all ages in many ways and he will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

Paul is survived by two sisters, Edith S. Norris and husband Bob of Iowa, and, Margaret S. Beck and husband Reldon of New Mexico. Three nephews, Mike Norris of Nebraska, Joe Beck of New Mexico and Loren Beck and wife Julie of Arkansas. Four great-nephews and a great-niece, Bryan, Jeffrey and Nathan Beck of New Mexico, Ian Norris of Iowa and Sydney Norris of Nebraska; and his Alaska family.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Raymond and Lanora (Preston) Shultz, and brother, Earl R. Shultz.

A Celebration of Life for Paul will take place at a later date. A notice will be published.

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette - 3 JAN 2013