David Schulz

1937 - 2026

Dave Arthur Schulz, a beloved and cherished member of the Twisp community, passed away on February 11th, 2026, and went home to be with the Lord. He was born to Edna (Piper) and Herbert Schulz on July 17th , 1937 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Dave's early years were marked by hardship and resilience as he navigated the challenges of life with unwavering determination. His parents made the journey out west looking for farmland in which they settled at Benson Creek in his early years.
At the tender age of eleven, tragedy struck when his family endured the devastating 1948 food that damaged their farm. Shortly after the calamity, his father suffered a tragic tractor accident which ultimately claimed his life. In the face of these adversities, Dave displayed remarkable strength and maturity as he stepped up to help run the Benson Creek farm alongside his mother and sister, Shirley Fischer.
Dave started his education at Beaver Creek one room schoolhouse. During recess his buddies would play at the cemetery hiding their stick guns after a good battle. He then went to Twisp High School and was active in tennis and basketball. During one of his basketball games, he set a record for most points made (37) which was still a record in 2024 in the State B record book. After graduating from Twisp High School in 1955, Dave went on to serve in the Air Force where he excelled not only in service but also in athletics. His exceptional skills led him to be recognized with an outstanding Airman/Athletic award for Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kansas during his time there.
During his service in the Air Force, He met DeAnnis Shaw on a blind date; they were married for fifty-seven beautiful years until her passing. Together they raised four children: David Jr., Denise, Debby and Deana.
Throughout his lifetime, Dave held various jobs including working at Wagner Lumber Mill in his twenties before venturing into agriculture ownership where he harvested apples in his orchard. He worked independently picking up contracts for thinning the forest. He also worked for both Forest Service, BLM and Department of Natural Resources while serving as a private firefighter for over fifty years.
In addition to being an active member of Okanogan County's tourism- instrumental in establishing cross-country- Dave owned and operated Idle-A-While motel with Dee for seventeen years before transitioning into politics as Okanogan County Commissioner for twelve years.
Dave's passion extended beyond work; it encompassed sports too-particularly tennis which became one of his lifelong loves. Dave was a member of the U.S.T.A. tennis league for Wenatchee and placed 3rd, 4th, and 6th in the National league finals. Dave also coached tennis. As a coach at Liberty Bell High School for 62 years, coaching tennis since mid-1960's he took immense pride working with youth athletes who looked up to him dearly.
His love didn't stop there; it extended towards outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting or fishing along with spending quality time playing a good card game of hearts, croquet or mini golf at Lake Chelan with loved ones.
A devout Christian throughout life-long membership at Cascade Bible church (formerly Calvary Baptist Church), Dave served faithfully teaching adult Sunday school classes 50 plus years while acting as a deacon within church leadership roles. Dave was also an Awana Director for the youth as well as a youth leader for young adults in the past. He was well known for his fun capture the flag games he organized. Dave was also a life-long member of the Gideons Internation Evangelical Association where he shared the gospel. He enjoyed handing out Bibles as well as sharing God's word, especially at the Okanogan Fair each year.
He was known far beyond just religious circles though; many people across Okanogan County recognized him due to countless interactions sparked by genuine conversations wherever he went.
Dave leaves behind an enduring legacy though not only memories but also values instilled within those closest to him: hard work ethic coupled with compassion toward others are some traits among many that will forever live on through those whose lives have been touched by him.
Funeral services will be held at Liberty Bell High School in the gym starting at 11:00 A.M on February 28th, followed by a graveside ceremony at Beaver Creek then a reception hosted by Cascade Bible Church where donations can be made out to Gideons International in lieu of flowers.
Dave is survived by four children: son David Schulz Jr., daughters Denise Schulz, Debby Smith and Deana Knowlton along with grandchildren Nick and Jesse Schulz, Alexia McCallen, Kari Hersman, Krysta Knowlton, April Heyett, Justin and Jared Smith and son-in-law Dan Smith and great granddaughter Abi Hersman.
Preceding death include wife DeAnnis (Shaw) Schulz, mother Edna (Piper) Schulz, sister Shirley Fischer, grand daughter Emily Schulz, and son-in-law Gary Knowlton.
May we find solace knowing that although our dear friend has departed from this world physically, his spirit shall continue living amongst us all eternally!
Please leave any thoughts and memories for the family at www.barneschapel.com. Services are entrusted to Barnes Chapel of Brewster.