Eldon "Ed" Schultz (beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, grandfather) was born in Deshler, NE, December 10, 1941. He passed away March 3, 2023, in Fairbury, NE. Ed attended Deshler schools before the family moved to Fairbury in 1953.
Ed joined the U.S. Navy in January 1959. He began his career as an Aviation Ordnance Man. His service included a number of ships and naval stations, to include, but not limited to: San Diego, CA, Barber's Point, HI, USS Lexington (CVA-16), Helicopter Squadron 6, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), Jacksonville, FL, USS Constellation (CV-64), and Fighter Squadron VF-92 (the Silver Kings).
In 1975, his rate changed to Navy Counselor, and he served in recruiting offices in Manhattan, KS and Lincoln, NE until he retired in January 1982. His service awards included the Navy Achievement medal, Good Conduct medal (5 awards), Vietnam Service Medal (4 stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a number of other medals, ribbons, and multiple Letters of Commendation. He was honored to serve in the military, and he often spoke of his experiences.
After the Navy, Ed worked in Superior, NE, while living in Nelson, NE, where his sons attended Nelson Jr/Sr High School. After that time, Ed had careers as a safety engineer for a national construction company and in employment agency management. He retired and lived in Bellevue, NE, before residing at the Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, the last one and a half years.
In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, watching TV (westerns, golf, KC Royals, and Husker football), playing golf, working on engines, and auto body work/painting, where the inside of his garage often changed colors with the work he did.
Ed is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean, his sons Corey (Kate) of Hebron, NE and Jeff of Roanoke, VA, his grandchildren Jared of Lincoln, NE, Jayden and Natalie of Roanoke, VA, his sisters Barb Bauer of Omaha, NE, and Joyce DeBoer of Fairbury, NE, his brothers Dale Schultz (Paula) and Steve Schultz (Beth), both of Fairbury, NE, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Pearle Schultz, father, Edgar Schultz, brother Daryl Schultz, sister Marge Freitag, and nephews Darren DeBoer and Doug Freitag.
A celebration of life will be held at the Gerdes-Meyer funeral home Saturday, March 11th, from 1 to 3pm. Dress casual. In lieu of flowers, donations to charities that benefit veterans are appreciated. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com