John H. Schultz

John H. Schultz, of Effingham, IL, born Oct. 27, 1923. Passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 9, 2003. He was the person behind the construction of the tallest cross in the United States, the Cross at the Crossroads on Interstate 57/70. John was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the Army in Germany, Belgium, France and Czechoslovakia for three years. He was married to Frances Adams, who survives; he was the father of Jack (Betinha), Jane (Bill) Herman, Joe (deceased 1971), Mary (Jeff) Lacksen, Ann (Dennis), Deters, Jim (Laura), Nancy (Roy) Schmidt, Bob (Audra); as well as 15 grandsons and six granddaughters; he is survived by sisters Esther Hardiek and Alberta Schultz. He was a successful businessman having served as president of J.M. Schultz Seed Company until retirement and as president or director on 20 corporate boards, including the Effingham State Bank and First National Bank of Dieterich, IL. He served as manager of the J.M. Schultz Investment Company for 40 years, was the founder of AKRA Builders in 1974, and a member of the Agricultural Economics Board of the University of Illinois. John was active in retirement volunteering for such organizations as Laubach Literacy, Habitat for Humanity, and The Cross Foundation. He was a life-long, die-hard Cub fan. John was very proud of his role as founder of The Cross Foundation, which constructed a 200 foot cross at the intersection of Interstate 57/70 in Effingham, IL. John was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Effingham. He was a former member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Sun City West, AZ, and St. Francis Church in Teutopolis, IL where he served for 20 years as trustee. A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 10, 2003 at St. Anthony Church in Effingham at 7 p.m. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cross Foundation Building Fund, P.O. Box 808, Effingham, IL 62401.