Dean Schultz

DEAN W. SCHULTZ BOUNTIFUL, UT -- Dean William Schultz, 92, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at his son's home in Bountiful, Utah of complications incident to old age. He was born October 8, 1916, in Postville, Iowa, to Levi Edward Schultz and Helen Dorothy Kluss. He was the oldest of three children in the family, which included a younger brother and a younger sister. He attended local schools and was valedictorian of his Luana Iowa High School graduating class. He was always active in sports and excelled in basketball. He briefly attended Iowa State University before coming to Idaho Falls at the age of nineteen. He came west at the suggestion of an Iowa banker whose son, D. F. Richards, was president of the American National Bank of Idaho. He began a career in banking that eventually spanned 46 years. Working his way through all departments of the bank, he became manager of the Idaho First National Bank's Downtown and First Street offices, making him one of the most well-respected and best-known bankers in southeastern Idaho. In addition to his job-related work experience, he graduated from Rutgers University's Graduate School of Banking and Northwestern University's Financial Public Relations School. He was a businessman of unmatched integrity. He always took a personal interest in his customers and employees and genuinely wanted to help them meet their individual goals. He was genuine and warm with no pretense; everyone felt comfortable and at ease in his presence. He was the ultimate nice guy who desired the best for all and believed that kindness, unselfishness, and friendship are a way of life. He married Ines Hunter, the bank president's secretary, on December 7, 1946. Their courtship had begun prior to World War II and continued for nearly three and a half years while he served in the U. S. Army in the islands of the Pacific from Hawaii to the Philippines. The couple's union lasted nearly 58 years and was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1959. They had two sons, Dean and Stuart, and he was completely devoted to his wife and children. He was an exemplary husband and father, and later, grandfather and great grandfather. He truly embodied the adage that "he who endeavors to make his son better than himself must himself possess a large measure of goodness." He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December, 1953, to unite and provide leadership to his young family and remained a dedicated member to the end. At the time of his baptism, he was already serving as Young Men's secretary, paying tithing, and keeping the Word of Wisdom. He later served in numerous teaching, priesthood, and leadership positions, including bishopric counselor, high council representative, and temple worker. In addition to his church work, he was extremely active in civic responsibilities. He was a member of the executive board of the Teton Peaks Council of the Boy Scouts of America, serving two terms as its vice president. He was a past president and district vice president of the PTA, and on the board of directors of the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, and Bonneville County Head Start Program. He functioned for many years as a leader in Kiwanis, serving as local Idaho Falls club president and Utah-Idaho district governor and lieutenant governor. He retired from the bank in 1981. In his retirement years he remained vital and active. After heart bypass surgery in 1983 at age 66, he began a daily regimen of walking that continued into this year. He also mowed his own lawn well into his eighties - and drove his own car right to the end of his life. Throughout his lifetime he loved watching sports of all types in person and on television. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and proudly wore the baseball cap he received this past year as a gift from his son Stuart. He was particularly fond of attending baseball games at stadiums throughout the United States while traveling with his family. He also enjoyed playing golf with his sons and friends. He always brought a spirit of love, peace, and harmony into his home and the lives of his family and friends. He was a kind, unselfish person, always thoughtful and considerate of others. His children and grandchildren (including their spouses) and other relatives knew him as someone who never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or holiday. He always gave a carefully selected greeting card appropriate for the occasion with a generous check tucked inside. His great faith and sense of humor helped him meet the serious challenges in his life. Even the day before his passing, he told visitors that he was feeling "great" and that he was ready to go because he had "no regrets" about his life here on earth. He was a tireless worker who completed tasks and assignments without fanfare; he didn't care who got the credit so long as the job was accomplished. One of his favorite sayings was "many hands make light work," and he was generally the first to pitch in and go to work when something needed to be done. He set the example by his actions - he practiced what he preached in every way. One of his greatest accomplishments was being the sole care giver for his beloved wife for several years prior to her death. Even though he was himself in his eighties, he cooked, cleaned, shopped, and provided for all the couple's needs - and did it cheerfully and without complaint. During this time he and Ines rarely missed church meetings or family events. A favorite experience for them was the daily drive in the car. After his wife's passing in August, 2004, he remained in his home in Idaho Falls for the next year and a half. Receiving a heart pacemaker (and a new lease on life) in March, 2006, he moved to his own apartment in Bountiful, Utah, where he lived independently until the time of his death. Survivors include two sons, Dean R. (Kathy) Schultz of Mission Viejo, California, and Stuart H. (Christine) Schultz of Bountiful, Utah; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Ines, his parents, brother, Reid Schultz, and sister, DeVonne Schultz. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, at the Idaho Falls LDS 2nd Ward, 885 South Boulevard (Boulevard and 9th Street), with Bishop Peter Demitropoulos officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Gwen Bennion Wilcox gwenwilcox55@aol.com Dear family, I have only the best memories of your father. One example is when I was there one summer with all five of my boys and Steve. We had just finished a river rafting trip down the Salmon River and wanted to stop and see your parents. Your father served us all ice cream Sundays and made us feel very welcome. We also enjoyed a tour of the backyard with the unbelievably beautiful petunias. He holds a special place in my heart. Sincerely, Gwendla Dallas J.B. Hatch daljbh1933@yahoo.com Sad for us but happy for him. He was always so friendly with a positive attitude. Memories take me back to when Harvey and I were their home teachers. They were so personable and warm. Please know that memories of your family and those days in the 16th Ward make life brighter for those of us who shared those times. I look forward to seeing all of them again. Bryce Burns Your dad was always great to Jordan, Stacey and me. Harvey always spoke kindly of your folks and they were very supportive of my mom. Great people! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Bryce Burns Robert McArthur Please know as your fathers High Priest Group Leader I had a tremendous respect for Bro. Schultz. We sat by one another nearly every Sacrament Meeting. We connected through home teaching assignments and family connections. I always enjoyed visiting with your Dad. He was always upbeat and personal. He loved his family tremendously. While your Mother was alive he was a great example to us all of the Savior's compassion. To watch how he cared for his wife-lifting her in and out of the car so that she could attend her meetings was a great tribute to both your mother and their commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why it wasn't but two weeks ago I was visiting with him about home teaching responsibilities and his continued willingness to serve however he could. We will all miss your father. Know that he impacted many lives in our Bountiful 2nd Ward. Take care in knowing he was truly valiant in all aspects of his life. Sincerely, Robert McArthur Carol & Ted Armstrong t2carms@yahoo.com Carol and I are very saddened to read of Dean's passing, but what a glorious time for him. Carol worked with him for over 30 years. She has the utmost respect for him, when she speaks of him it is still, Mr. Schultz, never just Dean. We both think the world of him and know he will be greatly missed by everyone. Sincerely, Carol & Ted Armstrong - Pahrump, Nevada Richard & Orma Barker 2barks@cableone.net As a fellow banker, I remember starting to work with Dean in 1954 at the American National Bank. I was in contact with him as a fellow branch manager for many years and always liked and respected him. I send my sincere condolences and remember him with fond memories. Jim Francis idahojkk@msn.com Dean and Stuart, I just finished reading the tribute to your father, it brought tears because it so accurately and insightfully described your father. The tribute made me pause to consider how our friendship and my coming to know your parents influenced me. Could it be a part of the life that arises from death which leads one to disassociate the aggregate of what one is and to identify what parts others played in shaping a whole person? Nevertheless, something like that reflection has been stirring around in my mind since I saw in yesterday's paper that your father had died. Distant memories became vivid memories. When the three of us played backyard baseball (with right field always closed) or built a miniature golf course in your backyard, your father was always supportive. I never once heard him criticize our ideas even when we ran the telephone line between our houses or laid out bricks all over your backyard. I thought then and I think now that your father and mother defined the word kindness. My parents and my wife and I banked with your father. He was exemplary as a person and as a businessman, but that word is not quite adequate. Maybe it requires a list of descriptors to express my thoughts: integrity, trustworthy, decency, honorable. Even this list of words does not fully express the respect I had and have for your father. I was lucky enough to have once lived at 652 South Fanning and to have met your family. Without doubt your parents and you two helped shape whatever positives are a part of the way I interact with my students. My thoughts are with you and your families. With love, sadness, and deep respect, Jim Bard barddavies@gmail.com Sorry to hear of Dean's passing. Nancy and I had a wonderful chat with him in December. I'll never forget the generosity of his time and friendship. His understated chuckle was memorable. All the best. Bard Dane Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your father. He will be missed by all who knew him, He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments will always be remembered by our community. Sherry and I want you to know that out prayers are with you and your family.