RICHARD SHULTZ Jr.

RICHARD SHULTZ JR. Richard "Rick" C. Schultz, Jr., 83, formerly of Beardstown, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family. Rick was born on June 20, 1942, in Beardstown, Illinois, to Richard and Mary (Musselman) Schultz, Sr. On July 3, 1965, he married the love of his life, Paula, in Herrin, Illinois. Together, they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage filled with devotion, adventure, and countless cherished memories. Rick is survived by his wife, Paula Schultz of Austin, MN; their children Kathy (Tim) Fritz of Key West, FL; Bob (Debi) Schultz of Beardstown, IL; Jeff (Tammy) Schultz of Austin, MN; and Scott (Meg) Schultz of Longview, TX; as well as eleven grandchildren: TJ (Gabby) Fritz, Merideth Fritz, Scott (Crystal) Knueven, Brett (Rebecca) Knueven, Melissa (Randy) Blenker, Kaitlyn (Kyle) Dodson, Sam (Rachel) Schultz, Alex (Peyton) Schultz, Paul (Alexa) Schultz, and Ella Schultz. As much as he loved his children and grandchildren, Rick was especially delighted by his thirteen great-grandchildren, who kept him laughing and young at heart. Their joy, energy, and playful spirits never failed to bring a smile to Grandpa's face. Rick is also survived by his sisters, Gail (Fred) Harmeyer and Marg (Keith) Rice, both of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Ed Schultz (Beth Fay). A 1960 graduate of Beardstown High School, Rick excelled in football and track and field, setting records later broken by his beloved younger brother, Eda fact that filled him with pride. He continued his athletic career at the University of Illinois, playing football until a knee injury redirected his path. Rick went on to earn his degree in Economics from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he also met Paula, the love of his life. Throughout their 60 years together, Rick and Paula's journey took them across Southern Illinois, Colorado, Missouri, Central Illinois, Minnesota and Florida. Everywhere they went, Rick built lifelong friendships. His career in agriculturefrom ranch and feedlot management to crop managementwas not just work but a passion he eagerly shared with his family. Rick had a deep love for Illini sports, a lifelong devotion to the St. Louis Cardinals, and a trademark curiosity about "how this year's crop was doing." His gift for listening and genuine interest in people meant that wherever he went, Rick made a friend. A Celebration will be held Sunday October 12, 2025 @ 12 pm at the Elks Club #1007 205 E Second St. Beardstown, IL 62618. Memorials are suggested to the Rick Schultz 1007 Scholarship Fund c/o Petefish, Skiles & Co Bank 300 Washington St Beardstown, IL 62618. Condolences may be shared with the family through Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin, MN, which is assisting with arrangements. I-L-L