Jane Parkinson Schultz

Jane Parkinson Schultz, 99, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Born on February 9, 1927, in Sioux City, Iowa, to C.B. Parkinson and Myrtle (Thompson) Parkinson, Jane grew up immersed in a legacy of education, music, and art. Her grandfather, William B. Parkinson, served as a professor of music at Western Union College (later Westmar) starting in 1912. Jane's mother, the youngest of eight children from a farm near Blairstown, Iowa, moved to Le Mars to attend the college in 1917, where she met and married fellow student C.B. Parkinson in 1923. Jane herself graduated from Le Mars High School in 1945. She went on to attend Western Union College, continuing the family tradition.

Jane married her high school sweetheart, Richard H. Schultz, in 1948, and together they built a life across several communities. They resided in Davenport, Iowa, for 19 years and Austin, Minnesota, for one year before returning to Le Mars in 1977. It was during their time in Davenport that Jane discovered her passion for art, beginning with classes from a local instructor that ignited her love for watercolors. Over the decades, she honed her skills under the guidance of renowned artists from across the country, becoming a prolific painter who experimented with diverse techniques and styles. Jane particularly cherished depicting local Le Mars scenes, capturing the essence of her hometown with vibrant strokes that reflected her deep connection to the community.

Jane also loved cooking, baking, and flower gardening, and cherished gatherings with family and friends.

Jane was predeceased by her husband, Richard, in August 2024 after 76 years of marriage; her sister, Helen Vance, and brother-in-law, Ken Vance; her brother, C.J. Parkinson; and her brother-in-law, Karl Schultz, and sister-in-law, Ruth Schultz. She is survived by her three children: David Schultz of Dalat, Vietnam; Paula Schultz of Indianola, Iowa; and Alan (Shelly Ihrke) Schultz of Johnston, Iowa. Jane also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren: Dr. Alexander (fiancée Dr. Angelica Yun) Schultz of Baltimore, Maryland; Andrew Schultz of Waukee, Iowa; and Andrea (Collin) Coffman of Victoria, Minnesota; nephews Gary (Kathy) Vance, Tom (Carolyn) Vance, Dick (Leslie) Vance, Kirk (Sandy) Vance, nephew John Schultz, niece Amy Parkinson; and honorary AFS daughter, Zoilita Morcillo de Arita (Honduras) and family.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Le Mars Arts Center in Jane's honor, celebrating her lifelong dedication to creativity and community. Jane's gentle spirit, artistic talent, and unwavering family devotion will be forever treasured by those who knew her.