Kenneth R. Schultz

Kenneth R. Schultz, 77, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2006, due to physical complications, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, MI. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, and so much more. He has left us a legacy of love and devotion, and a passion for accomplishment in life, and will be deeply missed by family and friends. Ken was born in Columbus, WI, on December 28, 1928, to Carl and Ida (Bischoff) Schultz, and grew up in the central Wisconsin area of Beaver Dam, where he graduated from school. He was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army, attaining the final rank of Master Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he settled in the Twin Cities and was married to Doris Jean Hornus on September 12, 1954. He worked for over 25 years as the Cafe Manager for Auto Specialties in St. Joseph, then went on to 10 years in management at Creative Foods in Benton Harbor. Since “retirement” he has been a part-time driver for Lakeland Health. Ken’s civic involvement included being a co-Founder and the first Treasurer of Michigan Lutheran High School. He was also an active participant through the years in numerous leadership and development roles at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Ken is survived by his wonderful wife of 52 years, Doris; his two daughters, Sherree (David) Neumann of Muskegon, MI, and Michele (Jim) Prachar of Fort Wayne, IN. He was also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren – U.S. Marine Lcpl Andrew (currently serving in Iraq), Michael, Steven, and Jessica Neumann, and Lauren and James Prachar. He is also survived by his brother, Vern Schultz of Stevensville, MI. Ken is preceded in death by two sons, Tony and Dale. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 6, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, with Rev. Carl Pagel officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 5, at Kerley & Starks-Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, or to Michigan Lutheran High School. Friends are encouraged to leave messages of remembrance and condolence on the electronic guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com