Rev. Dr. David L. Schuldt (1936-2019)

SCHULDT

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/9/2019 at 08:49:16

Obituary for Rev. Dr. David L. Schuldt
David L. Schuldt, 83, of Iowa City, IA, passed away, Monday, May 6, 2019. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, May 13, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, Iowa City. Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM, Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. Memorials may be made to the David Schuldt Endowment Scholarship (Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201) or Habitat for Humanity.

On Monday, May 6, 2019, David Lorentz Schuldt died while doing one of his favorite things—riding his bicycle. Having biked well over 100,000 miles across the United States and the world, David loved being outdoors and cherished memories of adventures with family and friends. After retiring 20 years ago, he maintained his active lifestyle, including reading and music as he continued his formal and informal mentoring and ministry. Most recently, he was an active participant in the Oaknoll Retirement community.

David was born April 16, 1936 in Algona, Iowa, the oldest child of Victor and Ruth Schuldt. He was baptized into the Methodist Church by his maternal grandfather, Rev. C.V. Hulse. He graduated from Clarion High School, attended Morningside College and received degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University and Garrett Theological Seminary, culminating with a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa.

For 30 years David was Director of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Iowa, a personal and vocational match that he served with dedication and energy. During that tenure, he led almost 50 trips to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota for students, friends and family. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church since his arrival in 1965 as Associate Pastor.

As an extension of the Wesley role and his personal values, David Schuldt was a servant and leader for Iowa City organizations and humanitarian efforts: Crisis Center, Free Medical Clinic, Free Lunch, Community Mental Health of Mid-Eastern Iowa, United Way, Hillcrest Family Services, Youth Homes and American Youth Hostel. He was also a member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry of the Methodist Church, Camp Pictured Rock, National Association of United Campus Ministries, Iowa Commission on Ecumenical Affairs, and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. From 1980 to 2006 he also served on the Institutional Review Board at the College of Medicine. David Schuldt was forever and always an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.

David is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sandra, and his five children; Jeffrey Schuldt of Iowa City (Donna Gentry); Joy Johnson of West Des Moines (John) and their children Ali (Cameron), Taylor and Madilyn; Gabe Schuldt of Fairbanks, AK (Natalie) and their children, Charlie and Ole; Lisa Barleen of Johnston, Iowa (Bob) and their children, Logan, Jake, and Morgane; and Michelle Matthes (Will Adcock) of Johnston, Iowa and their children, Griffin, Barney and Finn. David is also survived by one great granddaughter, Maggie Mathis Clark, and his former wife, Sally Mathis Hartwig. His surviving brothers and sisters are Vicki Siegert (Paul) of Taylorville, UT, Gay Mikelson (Shelia Streeby) of Iowa City, Miriam Kashia of North Liberty and Donald Schuldt of San Antonio, FL. Also surviving is brother-in-law John Sherrick (Brenda) of Bettendorf and a number of nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life, David counseled countless students, friends, and family, performed more than 1,000 marriages, baptisms and funerals and provided pastoral care for many within his circle of friends. David is remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, who will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.