Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for John Schultz Jr., 89, of Hamlet, Indiana, formerly of North Liberty, Indiana, who passed away at home on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.
John was born in Michigan City, Indiana, on December 3, 1928, to John and Lillian (Gropp) Schultz.
John grew up in Michigan City, graduating from Elston High School in 1946. He joined the United States Navy as a seaman in June 1946. In 1948, after his term of service in the Navy, he was employed by Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), as a gas and electric serviceman.
He met and married his wife of 52 years, Betty Lee (Martin) Schultz, on October 15, 1955, in Michigan City, Indiana, who preceded him in death on February 17, 2008. His sister, Violet Schroeder, and brother, Robert Schultz, also preceded him in death.
In 1960 through his work with NIPSCO, John was transferred to North Liberty as the gas and electric serviceman for the communities of North Liberty, Walkerton, Mill Creek and Koontz Lake. He retired after 40 years of service. Everyone in the community knew him well and when there was a problem they would call John. He would often help them with other problems in and around their homes. John had the dangerous job as first responder for NIPSCO during severe storms and when electric lines were down. In his 20s, John and his brother Bob built and raced speed boats on various lakes near Michigan City.
One of John’s hobbies was working with wood. He could build just about anything. John carved figurines, made birdhouses, shelving units, utility carts and many other useful and sometimes whimsical items. If something was broke, John could fix it! He loved the outdoors and taking care of his yard and he was an avid reader of history, especially war history. He could amazingly recall names and dates for a myriad of subjects. John and Betty and their young children traveled by camper all over the United States and parts of Canada. They often traveled along with several other families.
John was a Freemason at North Liberty Lodge 266, spent 21 years as a Volunteer Firefighter on the North Liberty Fire Department, and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, North Liberty, for 58 years.
John had a gentle and kind soul, always giving and helping those in need. His children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews will miss him dearly.
John is survived by four children: a son, Brian W. Schultz, and three daughters, Linda (Randy) Heidrich, Janet (Dennis) Reese and Carol Schultz; four grandsons, David (Liz) Schultz, Kyle (Angela) Reese, Bryant (Joana) Reese and Martin Schultz; and seven great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 24955 Riley Rd., North Liberty, IN 46554; or Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.