EDWARD HOWARD SCHULTZ

EDWARD HOWARD SCHULTZ

     Edward Howard Schultz, known affectionately as Big Ed, passed away June 5, 2024, at home in Dorchester, WI, surrounded by his family. Born Dec. 8, 1950, to Virginia (Sautner) and Howard Schultz, Ed spent the first 50 years of his life on the family homestead in Veefkind. In 2000, he and his family moved to Chili, WI. In 2021, his family built a home in Dorchester on his daughter Jodi and her husband Mike’s property, where he again enjoyed country living.

     Ed was a graduate of Loyal High School, class of 1969. He liked to fondly recall his younger years, attending elementary schools at Veefkind and Heathville. Upon graduation, he farmed with his father and later took over farm operations at the Veefkind homestead. He also had various jobs over the years, including hauling canned milk, construction and running a logging business. He was a member of the Chili Lions Club and sexton of the Veefkind Cemetery. In his younger years, he was in softball and bowling leagues. He was a supervisor in the town of Sherman and later chairman of the town of Fremont.

     May 11, 1974, Ed married Yvonne (Von) Kottke at St. Anthony’s in Athens, WI. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised four daughters. In 1976, Ed and Von built a beauty salon in Chili, where Von ran Yvonne’s Golden Curl for several years. In the 1990s, Ed and Von operated the Chili Mini Mart. Ed enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, fishing and snowmobiling. He liked to tell stories of their many shenanigans from the 70s and 80s. He was passionate about his upbringing and family history, in recent years connecting with extended family. He loved to spend time with his grandkids. In retirement he enjoyed woodworking, creating many pieces for his family.

     Ed was predeceased by his parents; father-in-law Roy Kottke; his sister, LaVonne Zoellner; brother-in-law Bob DeFries; sister-in-law Carla Goetz; brother-in-law Jeff McNeely; and goddaughter Amanda Schellinger. 

     He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his daughters, Amy (Pete) Schultz, Sara (Nic) Schmitt, Arlee (Frank) Stevens and Jodi (Mike) Kluczinske; his nine grandchildren, Trenton, Waylon, Taylor, Addie, Lexi, Evie, Tyson, Parker and Bryce; his siblings, John (Evelyn) Schultz, Mary (Gary) Schellinger, Rebecca DeFries, Scott (Dee) Schultz and sister-in-law Pamela Schultz; his mother-in-law, Carolyn Kottke; his in-laws Brad Goetz, Kim Kottke, Kelly Kottke and Ken Kottke; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     A mass to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, located at 215 South Washington Ave, Medford, WI, with Father Julian Druffner officiating, followed by lunch. Visitation will be held prior to the mass from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Private interment will be held at Veefkind Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, the Schultz family kindly requests donations be made to the Veefkind Cemetery Association.

     Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.