Virgil Ray Schultz

Virgil Ray Schultz, 90, of Rexburg, passed away December 8, 2023, at his granddaughter’s home. He was under the care of his loving family.

Virgil was born December 14, 1932, in Felt, Idaho, to Walter Schultz and Lelia Blanche Callahan Schultz. He grew up and attended schools in Idaho and Montana and graduated from Darby Consolidated High School in Darby, Montana. He later attended Montana State University, College of Southern Idaho, and Brigham Young University.

Virgil joined the Air Force in April of 1951. When he was stationed in Fairfield, California, he met and fell in love with Bonnie Mae Adams. They were married on October 8, 1953, in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Virgil and Bonnie made their home wherever the Air Force sent them, welcoming children along the way.

Virgil first worked as a mechanic, and then later became a Pilot in the Air Force and he attained the rank of Captain. He served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam.

After retiring from the Air Force, Virgil bought a farm near Buhl, Idaho, and ran a small dairy operation for a few years. While there, he earned an Associate Degree in Agriculture at CSI.

He then moved his family to Provo, Utah, where he worked at the University post office and then earned a degree in Mathematics. He later got a job teaching Math at Teton High School in Driggs, Idaho. He taught there for 14 years. During his time there, he went on a teacher exchange to Val’dor, Quebec, Canada for a year.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years, he served faithfully in many capacities. He and his wife, Bonnie, served three missions: Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Nairobi, Kenya; and Martin’s Cove, Wyoming.

Virgil enjoyed flying all kinds of aircraft: ultra-lights, gliders, regular small engine, and experimental. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, small engine repair, camping, reading, and especially making friends and talking to them.

Virgil is survived by his son, Donald (Marites) Schultz of Weiser, ID; son, Alan (Diane) Schultz of Farr West, UT; daughter, Vera (Randy) Alder of Lindon, UT; son, David (Shellie) Schultz of Livonia, MI; son, Robert (Lola) Schultz of Sugar City, ID; son, Bryan (Fauneil) Schultz of Rexburg, ID; son, Roger (Heidi) Schultz of Caldwell, ID; 34 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie Schultz; son, James Michael Schultz; and daughter, Barbara Jean Schultz; and three grandsons, Bradley Schultz, Nathan Schultz, and Donald Schultz, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the Ammon 23rd Ward, 4030 John Adams Parkway, with Bishop Justin Bell officiating. The family will visit with friends from 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Cache-Clawson Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by American Legion Post 95 and the Air Force Honor Guard.

The service may be watched via Zoom.