Gerald D. Schultz

Gerald David Schultz, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday January 26, 2026. He was born on August 11,1939, in Neenah, WI to Francis and Flora (Lorfeld) Schultz.

Growing up in Neenah meant summers of family trips spent at Pickerel Lake and Lake Poygan. Time spent with family was very important. He was an animal lover and was known for rescuing stray animals, bringing them home and nursing them back to health only to have his mother sell them to a customer buying ice from their family business! He loved dancing and music and as a teen would save money to buy 45’s. He was quite the collector! Jerry developed a love of acting and joined the Riverside Players and he was proud to be the only freshman to become a member of the Thespian Drama Club. He was offered an acting scholarship to Carrol College but chose a different path.

He attended Marquette University and received a degree in Business Administration. Jerry proudly served in the US Navy for 3 years. He completed Officer Training and served at the Naval Reserve Manpower Center in Bainbridge, Maryland as a computer programmer. This led to a career in technology, and he accepted a job with IBM after his time in the navy. His home base was Washington DC but his passion for travel began when IBM offered him opportunities to work overseas in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Iran. He spent most of his adult life traveling and living abroad and easily made lifelong friends wherever he went. The stories of his travel were the highlight of family get togethers and he once said he traveled around the world seven times if adding all the miles together. He saw, lived in, and truly enjoyed more parts of the world than most.

He was a cherished brother, uncle and friend to so many. Jerry brought joy into the lives of all he touched, always finding ways to make family and friends feel supported and loved. His positive attitude and love of life was infectious and an inspiration to all. He taught us to be more curious, open and more accepting of different ways of life. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate Jerry’s life which was filled with adventure, love, friendship, and family.

Jerry is survived by his brother Greg Schultz (Kathy Morris) and his sister-in-law Barbara Schultz (Richard); nieces Amy Schultz (Mike Mihelich), Ann Tangney (Jim), Jennifer Plamann (Rick) Emily Thomas (Matt) and nephews Michael Schultz (Dawn), Dan Schultz (Megan), Eric Schultz and Ryan Schultz (Molly); Great nieces and nephews DJ (Jordan) and Megan Paeth, Drew Tangney (Megan), Abbey Phillips (Rob), Emily Tangney, Matthew Schultz, Katey Gross (Justin), Ben Schultz, Maddie and Nic Plamann; Cooper, Parker, Griffin and Ellie Thomas, Charlie and Connor Schultz. Great-great nieces and nephews; Collins and Archie Paeth, Remy Paeth and Jett Gross.

Along with many friends who will dearly miss him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Flora and Francis Schultz, his brother Richard Schultz and his niece Sarah Schultz.

A private memorial service will be held for Jerry in the spring of 2026. If you would like to donate in honor of Jerry, please contribute to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Rennes Health Services and Compassus Hospice who helped care for Jerry in his final days.

The family would be very appreciative if you would share stories, memories, and photos of Jerry!