Gary Schulz

Funeral services for Gary L. Schulz, age 89 of Wisner, NE will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Wisner, NE with Military Honors to follow. A luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall with private family interment in the Beemer Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Minnick Funeral Home in Wisner and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. The livestream of the service can be found at www.facebook.com/minnickfuneralserviceinc. Memorials can be directed to the family for future designation in Gary's name. Gary passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025 at the Wisner Care Center. Gary L. Schulz was born on May 29, 1936 to Earl and Ella Schulz in Wayne County, NE. At the age of 4, Gary contracted polio and the family was quarantined to the house. Dr. Benthack from Wayne made several trips to the house to care for him. Gary attended Wayne County Rural School through the 6th grade. After moving near Beemer, he attended Cuming County Rural District #7 and graduated from Beemer High School in 1953. After graduation, Gary worked for several area farmers. He also worked on the old West Point School with an electrician from Omaha. In 1955, he and 3 other friends decided to volunteer for the draft and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Japan before he was honorably discharged. Upon returning home Gary worked for Gaylord Nelson at the Firestone and Sinclair stations. It was during this time that he was introduced to Marilyn Westergard. On May 20, 1962, they were united in marriage and raised 3 boys while living in Beemer. In 1966, Gary began employment with the Farmer's Elevator in Beemer, NE as a farm consultant. He was instrumental in the formation of 4 hog co-ops and also raised hogs in partnership with Bill Metheny. In 2008, Marilyn passed away from her battle with cancer. Gary embarked on the journey of dealing with the loss of Marilyn and began attending Griefshare meetings at the Norfolk Church of Christ. He and Jan Slonecker attended the meetings together and on January 2, 2010 were united in marriage. Gary and Jan bought a house in Wisner. After retiring from the Elevator, Gary worked part-time at Stan Ortmeier & Co., and then drove a school bus for Wisner-Pilger Schools. Gary was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Wisner, and American Legion Post #85. He served on the Beemer School Board for over 20 years, and was able to give each of his sons their high school diplomas. Gary was an avid sports fan following his children and grandchildren. He was a Husker fan, and continued following high school sports after the grandchildren graduated. Survivors include- Wife - Jan Schulz of Wisner, NE Son - Jeffrey Schulz of Springfield, MA Son - Brad and Anne Schulz of Beemer, NE and family - Zach and Emily Schulz and family - Henry, Daniel and Mary Alex and Sadie Schulz and family - Jaxon, Ella, Leo, and August Rachel Schulz and fiancé Jordan Rowley Son - Tim and Lisa Schulz of Fremont, NE and family - Jack and DeLaney Schulz Ben Schulz Will Schulz Sister - Shirley Kersten of Peoria, IL Brothers - Duane and Ardith Schulz of West Point, NE Ronnie and Judy Schulz of Naperville, IL Several nieces and nephews also survive Gary. He was preceded in death by his parents - Earl and Ella Schulz, wife - Marilyn, brother and sister-in-law - Harold and Marilyn Schulz, and brother-in-law - Jerome Kersten.