Ronald Schultz

Schultz, Ronald A. COTTAGE GROVE - Ronald A. Schultz, age 81, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully at home, on his beloved farm, in the arms of his wife of 60 years on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006. His strength, generosity and sense of humor touched all who were lucky enough to know him and Rons mischievous grin and quick wit remained strong throughout his long and brave battle with Parkinsons disease. Ron was born on June 10, 1925, in Beloit, the son of Alvin and Clara (Berg) Schultz. He married Joanne McQuade on June 1, 1946 in Janesville. Ron graduated from Clinton High School, Clinton, in 1944 and was a dairy and cash crop farmer first in Janesville and then in Cottage Grove where he and his family worked together for more than 50 years. An active community servant, Ron was on the Cottage Grove School Board, and for 33 years, a Director on the Dane County Farmers Union Co-op (Landmark Cooperative). Ron possessed a very curious nature about both people and things. He was a wonderful listener, confidante and an astute advice giver. He enjoyed meeting new people and was known for his ability to strike up an engaging conversation with anyone. With his wicked humor, he always left both newcomers and his family alike with a laugh and a smile. It was easy to love Ron. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and was an active part of their lives. Ron loved to fish, farm, bird watch, travel and stay active. He was always tinkering around the farm and his home. As his Parkinsons progressed he invented creative ways to keep himself mobile including a walker constructed of bicycle wheels. If you had a problem, Ron could come up with a solution. He was not one to complain despite the many medical issues he faced over the years. If you started to feel bad for him he turned it around using self deprecating humor that left you smiling instead. He was a shining example of grace, strength and courage for his family and friends. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. Rons survivors include, Joanne Schultz, the love of his life; their 10 children, Jim (RuthAnn) Schultz of Clintonville, Nancy (Bruce) Darken of Madison, Steve (Martha) Querin-Schultz of Cottage Grove, David (Sabrina) Schultz of Waterboro, Maine, Jeff (Kelley) Schultz of Rutland, Vt., Bob Schultz of Belleville, Cindy (Steve) Martinelli of Cottage Grove, Suey (Bob) Starczynski of McFarland, Diane (John) Jaeggi of Brooklyn, and Donna (Jim) Robinson of DeForest; 19 grandchildren; Johanna Schultz, Becca (Julio) Parra, Sarah Schultz, Juliet Darken, Rachel Darken, Whitney Darken, Evan Schultz, Elliott Schultz, Annah Schultz, Brandon Schultz, Cassidy Schultz, Lori Schultz, Cori Martinelli, Joe Martinelli, Taylor-Ann Starczynski, McKenna Starczynski, Rita Robinson, Jeffrey Jaeggi, and Lindsey Jaeggi; two step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rosie OClassen and Audrey Lemon; his in-laws, Therese Leeder, Bob Swadley, Grace McQuade, and Zita McQuade; and his step-family. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-in-law; a son-in-law; his stepmother; mother-in-law; five brothers-in-law; a sister-in-law; a step-sister; a step-brother; and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICKS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, with Monsignor Raymond Kertz presiding. Burial will be at Cottage Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006 and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family would like to extend special thanks to Peggy Weber, Monsignor Ray Kertz, Deb Percival and the wonderful staff at HospiceCare, especially, Joan and Meghann. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to support the American Parkinsons Disease Association or to HospiceCare, Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com