CROSS PLAINS - Jonathan Ralph Schultz, age 62, crossed over on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. He was born on May 22, 1963, to James “Lyle” and Donna (Barsness) Schultz. He was raised in Black Earth, on his parents’ family farm. He grew up a mile from his grandparents, Ralph and Hazel Barsness, where he learned the craft of woodworking and quickly learned the value of a hard day’s work along with a good day fishing.

He graduated as a proud member of the Wisconsin Heights High School, class of '81. After graduation, he explored a variety of careers including the process of cheesemaking, warehouse shipping/receiving, semi driver, tire repairman, excavating, cement truck and short order cook.

Jonathan was a great guy and made friends wherever he went; (because of his loyalty to serving and supporting all who he met) many of which stayed in contact with him throughout his lifetime.

In 1997, he married his soulmate, Sheila Jean (Sutcliffe) Schultz and together they raised their four children, Katie, Jonathan, Ethan and Christopher. Jon was a proud father, loving husband and caring provider for his entire family.

Jonathan had many interests and hobbies including fishing, camping, hunting, cookouts, countryside drives and volunteering. He was happiest when he was in his kitchen or at the backyard grill, and no one ever left hungry or thirsty if they stopped by for a visit.

Jonathan was always quick to offer his tools, time and talents to help others in need. Jonathan’s legacy lives on through the family he loved deeply and the many lives he touched through his kindness, craftsmanship and unwavering positive outlook. His homemade birdhouses and feeders were often gifted to family and friends.

He also enjoyed traveling, especially in the last years of his life. He explored Scotland, Iceland and Ireland with his family, where he enjoyed visiting local pubs and distilleries, touring historic castles and riding trains across the countryside.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila; and children, Katie Schultz, Jonathan Flannery (John), Ethan Wenger and Christopher Wenger; and granddaughter, Kendall Wenger. He is also survived by stepson, Brian (Terri) Sheldon; his siblings, James (Jim) Schultz, Joseph (Joey) Schultz, Joel Schultz and Julie Schultz; his in-laws, Dennis and Donna Sutcliffe, Scott (Sherie) Sutcliffe, David (Pam) Sutcliffe and Michael Sutcliffe; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins, plus bonus granddaughter, Amya Severson. He joins in Heaven his parents, a sister, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Jonathan’s Life will be held at VINTAGE BREWING COMPANY, 600 Water St., Sauk City, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with a brief remembrance ceremony starting at 12:30 p.m.

Jonathan and his family were appreciative of the kind, caring, talented staff at the UW Hospital and Clinics, who often referred to him as “the favorite patient”. He knew his life was extended due to clinical research led by the expertise of the Neuro-Oncology team at UW over the past 16 months. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to support further clinical research at www.Supportuw.org/giveto/neuro-oncology.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Black Earth
Funeral & Cremation Care
1710 Center St.
(608) 767-3684

Jonathan R Schultz

May 22, 1963 - December 31, 2025

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