John Schultz

1957 - 2024

John Schultz
Born: July 7, 1957 in Spring Valley, IL
Died: December 27, 2024 in Chicago, IL
John Raymond Schultz, affectionately known as "Hog" to his close family and friends, passed away on December 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at RUSH Hospital in Chicago.
Born on July 7, 1957, John grew up in Seatonville, IL, attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and lived a wonderfully full life. He married his beloved wife, Sandra, in 2004 and settled in DePue, IL. John made his career working for over 40 years in the steel industry.
John was a devoted family man and drew his greatest happiness from time spent with his loved ones. He was a cherished husband, father, son, brother and grandfather. As a young man, he stepped up and shouldered additional responsibilities for his family after the early passing of his father. He was eternally the caregiver, putting the needs everyone around him first. He was the one to plan and organize and see that everyone was always taken care of. This included a close bond with his mother which developed into a routine that brought him home every weekend to care for her. He was also an avid supporter of Chicago sports teams.
John was a passionate outdoorsman who loved hunting, trapping, fishing and taking trips with friends. He was well known in the area as a top duck hunter and innovative blind builder. He was driven by curiosity and a quest for learning which took him on adventures across the country, as well as to Canada, Alaska and Africa for a safari. But what he loved most was the time at home with family and friends. You could always find him at the euchre table and making the whole room laugh with the outrageous stories of his adventures. He was the best storyteller! This led to him recording his experiences in journals through the years. John was also a talented artist.
The lifelong friendships John created at SIU inspired the Saluki Golf Outing that he coordinated in the community for many years. Everyone gravitated to John's natural warmth and welcoming nature. He had the unique ability to make people and ordinary events feel special because of the intentionality with which he approached life. In addition to his big heart, John's friends can attest that he was just as well known for his toughness. He never hesitated to stand up for his friends or what he knew was right.
John was preceded in death by his father Raymond Schultz and his stepfather Nate Cullinan. He is survived by his wife Sandra; his children Amie (Jim) Bernabei, Madison Schultz (Rich Whittington), Matthew Schultz, and Michael (Jessica) Pangrcic; his grandchildren Evan, Pandora, Hannah, Julia, Chloe, and Lucas; his mother, Bertha Cullinan/Nana; his brother Jay Schultz (Katrin Newton); sisters, Dr. Terri Schultz (Bill Krypel), Sue (Jozsef) Palavics, Patti (Judd) Scott, Jeanie (Bill) Gillam, Jacqui (Jimmy) Grant, and Becki (Dale) Hoffert.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th at the Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church) located at 510 Richard A. Mautino Drive, Spring Valley, IL from 9:00am-Noon. A funeral Mass of Christian burial will begin at Noon, with Fr. Scott Potthoff officiating. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, with a luncheon to celebrate John's life following the services. The Barto Funeral Home, Spring Valley, is honored to be assisting John's family at this time.
John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and the love he shared with everyone in his life. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared with the family by visiting bartofh.com.