Dennis Schulz

Dennis Schulz, 75, of Paxton, passed away on March 19, 2025, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Dennis was born May 3, 1949, in Ogallala to Marcellus and Phyllis (Stander) Schulz. He grew up near Paxton and attended a one-room schoolhouse until the eighth grade before graduating from Paxton Schools in 1967. He later attended college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he played football.

In 1972, Dennis married Judy Hopken in Ogallala. They made their home in Paxton, where they raised their daughters, Syd and Devin. Family was the heart of Dennis' life, and he especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

Dennis was a farmer, rancher, and feedlot owner-operator. He was recognized for his contributions to agriculture as a recipient of the Young Farmer/Rancher Award and the Twin Platte Conservation Award. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed passing on his knowledge of farming to the younger generation, developing a particularly close bond with his surrogate grandson, Landon Drews.

A passionate sportsman, Dennis enjoyed all sports but frequently shared stories of his time playing college football before an injury ended his career. He also developed a love for golf, starting with a sale in Wray that introduced him to "pasture golf." His fondness for the game took off from there, and he enjoyed years of playing league golf. Dennis was a lifelong member of the Paxton Optimist Club and spent many years serving on the Keith County Fair Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, and mother-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; daughters, Syd Schulz of Paxton and Devin (George) Hallett of Paxton; grandchildren, Claire, Maggie, Xavier, EJ, Owen, and Landon; brother, Calvin (Pat) Schulz; sisters, Sharon (Gary) Petersen and Marcia (Bernie) Perlinger; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 1 p.m. at New Hope Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Matt Waitley officiating.

A memorial has been established in Dennis' memory to the Paxton Volunteer Fire Department and the Paxton Optimist Club. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.