Gordon Raymond "Bud" Schultz

Gordon Raymond "Bud" Schultz

The day we have all dreaded has come. We said our final goodbye to our father on February 4, 2026. While sad, we are comforted by so many happy memories and the fact that we were allowed over 65 years together; and mom had over 70 years.

Dad started his journey from "practically perfect" son, to brother, to steadfast friend, to loyal husband, to best dad June 6, 1932, in the Attica farmhouse. Arriving as a 34th birthday present for his father, he was the youngest child of William and Ethel (Lewis) Schultz joining his older sisters Gladys and Jean. When not working with his parents on their dairy farm or helping his neighbors who were also his grandparents, aunts, and uncles, he walked to Attica Country School with his police dog Tim who patiently waited outside to make the return mile walk back to the farm. While his two older sisters had to stay with their grandparents in Monticello to attend high school, Bud was allowed to drive every day, sometimes taking a truck full of corn to be milled, and getting back home for evening chores after school or basketball practice. He made lifelong connections with his classmates, basketball teammates, and was valedictorian of the 1950 graduating class. He continued his formal education at UW-Madison, but the pull of the cows, a GPA-killing French class, little interest in visiting Korea on Uncle Sam's dime, and his parents offer for a partnership, had him returning to run and expand the Attica Hill Farm for 18 years.

Back in Green County, he started dating Carol Babler and they were married in 1954. They found their footing as a young farming couple and brought four children into this world between 1956 and '64: Susan, Sally, Michael, and Stacy.

Bud's two longest vocations were as a dairy farmer and rural mail carrier. Around those he was a milk hauler, worked retail sales, landscaped, delivered commercial trucks, and sold insurance. Through all these paid gigs, conservative spending, and wise investing, he was an excellent provider for his family. He also supported the community and served on the Pure Milk Association, Monticello Community Club, Zwingli UCC consistory, and the Bank of Monticello board. His list of advocations was even longer; vintner, wood cutter, conservationist, motorcyclist, pool man, auto and machinery mechanic, appliance repairer, traveler, and life-long learner.

His real calling was that of son, friend, husband, and father. If not for Bud, his mother would not have been able to live independently, within a mile of where she was born, for the last 20 years of her life. While not one who showed emotion, each passing of a friend marked him and reminded him to live life. There was no better match for Carol as they built a life together for nearly 72 years. The enduring legacy of Bud is guiding his four children for more than 65 years and the next generations of 11 grandkids and 10 great-grandkids. It will be painful for us not to be able to tap him for advice or guidance. Truly the list is too long of what we have asked from and of him. He generously provided all a few words, a wry smile, a deed, an anecdote, a quote, a letter, a knock on the head, or an embrace. While we are weeping now, he would be the first to tell us to pull it together and get back to enjoying life. And, as usual, he will be correct, we will move ahead with all the love in our hearts, lessons in our heads, and good lives before us thanks his gifts to us of his time, treasure, and talent.

A visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Zwingli United Church of Christ, Monticello. A Memorial service officiated by Pastor Peter Strobel will begin at 2:00 p.m. and be followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date in Attica Cemetery. For those who prefer, memorials in lieu of flowers may be given in Bud's name to Monticello Area Historical Society, Attica Cemetery, or Zwingli Church. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net

Miss you now, love you forever,

Sue & Paul, Sally & Julie, Mike, and Stacy

Heidi, Lacey, Jared, Angie, Emma, Jeff, Sam, Amanda, Maria, Josie, and Carli