Doris J. Schulz

Doris Jean (Betke) Schulz passed away at age ninety-six on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at McReynolds Hall in Gaylord, Michigan. Shortly before her passing, all of her children and many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered to say their goodbyes, with her answering “I love you more” to each person’s “I love you.” She was born on January 28, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Martha (Gatz) Betke.

As a child during the Great Depression, her parents rented an old mansion and took in boarders to provide for their family. She worked as a model and at a number of other jobs, including at her children’s schools.

She was married to Harry Henry Schulz for sixty-four years before he passed away in 2014. Harry and Doris had two sons and a daughter and were immensely supportive and loving parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. They lived in Roseville, Michigan, and had a cottage in Gaylord, Michigan. They retired to Gaylord in 1989.

After retirement, Harry and Doris often wintered in Boynton Beach, Florida, golfed, and enjoyed being with family and friends. Doris was very active at Peace Lutheran Church, where she continued to do readings on Sundays until she turned ninety-five. She also volunteered for many years at the Otsego County Historical Society, quilted and crocheted, and loved participating in the Alpenfest. She also loved flowers and birds (but hated the squirrels in her bird feeders) and was an avid gardener. Most of all, she loved being with her family, whose gatherings always included lots of card playing, laughter, and enjoying “Nana’s” cooking.
 
 She is survived by her children, Kurt of Gaylord, Michigan, Thomas (Catherine) of Pinckney, Michigan, and Laura of Gaylord, Michigan; her grandchildren, Heather (Doug) Schultz, Karie (Steve) Dunneback, Nathan (Kristi) Schulz, and Aimee Schulz (Nick Waldvogel); ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry; her brother, Richard; and her sister-in-law, Carol, who had been her best friend since childhood.

Visitation will be held at Gaylord Community Funeral Home, 850 North Center Avenue, on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 3:00-7:00 P.M. The funeral will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 3703 Old 27 South, in Gaylord, at 11:00 AM Monday, March 4, 2024, where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the Otsego County Historical Society. 

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook at  www.gaylordfuneralhome.com