Fred Shultz Jr.

1931 - 2015

WILLIAMSFIELD - Fred R. Shultz Jr., 84, of Williamsfield died at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at Rosewood Care Center in Galesburg, Ill.

He was born Feb. 23, 1931, in Williamsfield, Ill., the son of Fred and Margaret (Symmonds) Shultz Sr. Fred graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1949 and from Bradley University in Peoria in 1953.

He was in the Army and served his country during the Korean War at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. There he met his wife, Mary Elizabeth Kerce, and they were married on Dec. 16, 1954, in Encinitas, Calif.; after only six months of courtship.

Fred was an electrician by trade and owned and operated Shultz Electric in Williamsfield. He also owned and operated the Wash House coin laundry and built and managed Twin Oaks Apartments, designed to provide senior citizens with affordable housing. He worked at Midland Coal Company as an electrician until his retirement.

Fred was also an accomplished woodworker. His love for wood was more than a hobby, it was a passion. A perfectionist, Fred judged woodworking projects created by youth at the 4H fair. Each youth he judged gained a lesson on technique and detail. For over 25 years, Fred and his wife, Mary, set up at the Spoon River Scenic Drive, selling his accomplished woodworking under the name "Grandpa's Goodies."

Fred was a member of the Williamsfield American Legion and had volunteered for the Williamsfield Fire Dept.

His wife, Mary, preceded him in death on March 8, 2013.

Survivors include three daughters, Debra German (Roger Underwood) of Galesburg, Susan Shultz of Williamsfield and Amy (Jeff) Maras of Grayslake, Ill.; and four grandchildren, Gretchen (Bill) Almquist, Ashley German-Cooper, Michelle (Casey) Scholl and Kasi (Karl) Terpening.

Cremation has been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Rux Funeral Home in Williamsfield. Pastor Scott Cramer will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Williamsfield Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the Williamsfield American Legion.

Memorials may be directed to Williamsfield Public Library, Williamsfield American Legion or the United Mine Workers of America International Relief Fund.

His obituary may be viewed and private condolences left at www.ruxfuneralhome.com.