Mary J. Schultz

Mary J. Schultz, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2024.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on January 25, 2025, at Nekoosa United Church of Christ. Visitation will be held at the church on the same day from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services. Rev. Wanda Veldman will officiate and burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Nekoosa. Following the committal at the cemetery, a luncheon will be served at the church.
Mary was born on May 8, 1936, in Nekoosa, Wisconsin to Glenn and Margaret (Fosbinder) Buchanan. In 1954, she graduated from Alexander High School in Nekoosa where she played flute in the band. She graduated from Marquette University with a degree in dental hygiene. Mary married the love of her life, Robert Schultz, on September 17, 1960.
Mary worked for over 40 years as a dental hygienist in Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa.
In retirement, Mary loved spending time with her children (and their dogs), grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends. She was fiercely proud of her loved ones and consistently showed up for them-by helping them settle into new homes, cheering at school concerts and sporting events, and advocating for them in all other aspects of their lives.
Her caring nature extended to everyone she met. She especially loved babies and toddlers-she volunteered at Rainbow Preschool at Nekoosa United Church of Christ and didn't hesitate to compliment strangers on their children. Mary was an "extra mom" to so very many folks.
Mary is dearly missed, but she provided her extensive community with a model for living well: she gave freely, bubbled with a feisty and joyful personality, and loved unconditionally. She was loved in equal measure.
Mary is survived by her children, Father Gregory (Ann) Schultz, Michael (Robin) Schultz, Robert G. (Yolanda) Schultz, Jeffrey (Kathy Carlson) Schultz; grandchildren Monica Schultz-Baker, Brigid Schultz, Elena Schultz, Evan Schultz, Alyssa (Christopher) Higgins, Lydia Schultz, Louis Schultz, Sebastian Schultz, and Lateishah Schultz; great grandson, Constantine Baker; brother, Keith (Sandy) Buchanan; sister-in-law, Betty Buchanan; special niece, Heidi Heckman (Mark Spittel); and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years, Robert Schultz; her daughter, Lynn Schultz; her brother, Daro Buchanan; and her sister, Carol Heckman.
The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home and the Critical Care department at Aspirus Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary's name to Nekoosa School District music departments.
Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.