Robert "Bob" William Schultz

Robert William Schultz, 77, of Chatham, IL, passed away unexpectedly due to COVID on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in Fort Myers, FL.  He is at home now with Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

Bob was born February 7, 1943 in Portage, WI to Frank H. and Isabel I. Schultz.  He graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1961, graduated with a teaching degree at UW Stevens Point in 1965, and earned a Master’s Degree in Health Education at Winona State University in 1973.  Bob married his high school sweetheart Judy Kasdorf on August 10, 1963.  They had two children, Robyn and Robert.

Bob was a gentle giant and the patriarch to a family who clearly meant everything to him.  It was commonplace for thousand-mile trips to visit grandchildren in California and sometimes weekly drives to Wisconsin to see grandchildren and extended family.  Bob and Judy were active members of New Life Church in Auburn, IL for over 35 years, and Bob was a board member for many of those.  For the past several years he was dedicated to caring for the love of his life.    They had purchased a home in North Fort Myers, FL in June of 2020 where they had planned to spend their winter months.  He enjoyed all competitive contests, was conscious of health and exercise, had a dry sense of humor, and volunteered for many causes, serving on the board for many of those institutions.  

During high school, Bob played basketball, football, baseball and he wrestled.  He received state recognition as a linebacker in football.  On the UW Stevens Point football team, Bob was a 4-year letterman and an all-conference defensive tackle before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers (16th round) in 1965 during Vince Lombardi's career.  After being released by the Packers, he was invited to the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent, but declined.  He also played semi-pro football in Madison (1966) and Orlando (1968).  Bob continued his career in football by being a college football referee for four decades. In June of 2019, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Dells Sports Hall of Fame.  

After teaching at the Lake Delton Elementary School and being assistant football coach at Wisconsin Dells High School from 1966-68, the family moved to Clearwater, FL where he taught at the junior high school for one year.  In 1969, he moved the family back to Wisconsin.  From 1969-76, Bob taught high school physical education and was head coach of the Nekoosa Papermakers football team, where he had the best record in the history of the school at the time (39-22-1).  He was also the head coach of the golf team for 7 years, as well as assistant coach in varsity wrestling and basketball.  During the summer months, he ran the town's recreation programs, which included the swimming pool, baseball and softball leagues. In 1976, the family moved to Springfield, IL where he was a Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance agent and financial advisor, progressed to management, earned advanced degrees, served as a board member for various related entities, and earned a multitude of awards.  He was semi-retired, an educator to the very end.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Isabel and sister Monica (McCormick).

Survivors include:  Judy, his beloved wife of 57 years; daughter Robyn (Michael) Filardo Campbell, CA; son Robert (Lori) Schultz Stevens Point, WI; brother Richard (Eunice) Schultz Wausau, WI; brother John Schultz Arkdale, WI; sister Marie (Lester) Kirchner Arkdale, WI; grandchildren Desireé, Gianni, Shea, Andrew, Lilly, Simon; great-grandchildren Crew, Jack, Beck.

A Celebration of Life will be held, 11:00AM, Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Refuge Church, 801 County Hwy HH, Stevens Point, WI.  The Family will be accepting Friends for a time of visitation at 10:00am until the time of service. 

A luncheon will follow at 12:30PM at The Park Ridge Family Restaurant, 3425 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI. 

Memorial Contributions in memory of Robert William Schultz can be sent by check to:

Operation Boot Strap, 5000 Heffron St., Stevens Point, WI  54481 or New Life Church, 303 S. Clover Lane, Auburn, IL  62615 or Salvation Army

https://give.salvationarmyusa.org

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.