Robert Paul Shultz

Born on October 22, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, Bob was the fourth child of Helen and Raymond Shultz. Raised in a bustling Catholic household alongside five siblings — Judy, Raymond, Kathy, Jeanne, and Margie — Bob’s childhood was filled with chaos, laughter, adventure, and stories that he believed should never be forgotten. He often said that family stories were what kept a family strong, and throughout his life he made it his mission to preserve those memories in his own unmistakable voice.

Bob grew up in Detroit attending Saint David’s Catholic School, where his legendary antics quickly became part of family lore. Whether challenging authority, making classmates laugh, or earning countless trips to the principal’s office, Bob approached life with fearless energy and a mischievous sense of humor that stayed with him forever.

In 1969, the Shultz family moved from Detroit to Port Hope, Michigan, where Bob found freedom in the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, exploring the woods, and running his own bait business at the county park his family managed. Though he often joked about hating school, his years in Port Hope became some of the happiest and most formative of his life.

After graduating high school, Bob joined the United States Navy in 1972. His years of service took him from boot camp at Great Lakes to assignments aboard the USS L.Y. Spear and the USS Lafayette submarine. The Navy transformed him in many ways and launched a lifelong career in marine engineering, offshore drilling, and ship operations that would span more than five decades.

Throughout his remarkable maritime career, Bob served aboard numerous military support vessels, merchant ships, research ships, and offshore drilling rigs. He worked aboard the USNS Relentless, USNS Tenacious, USNS Worthy, USNS Silas Bent, USNS Harkness, USNS Kane, and USNS Wilkes, serving as both First Engineer and Chief Engineer on Military Sealift Command vessels.

Bob later worked aboard the MV Pembina before joining the historic Glomar Explorer, where he participated in its conversion from a deep-ocean mining vessel into a deep-water drill ship. He went on to serve for a decade as Chief Engineer aboard the GSF C.R. Luigs, followed by leadership positions on the Ensco/Pride International DS-4 drillship project and with Atwood Oceanics in the Gulf of Mexico. His career culminated with work as Chief Engineer supporting U.S. Navy range operations.

Respected for his mechanical skill, leadership, and blunt honesty, Bob supervised engineering, electrical, subsea, and maintenance departments on some of the most sophisticated vessels operating at sea. He held a United States Coast Guard Chief Engineer Unlimited Horsepower license and remained deeply proud of his Navy service and maritime career.

While serving in the Navy in Virginia, Bob met Margie, the mother of his children. After Margie was transferred to the San Diego Naval Base, the couple moved to Southern California and began building their life together. They were married in Las Vegas on July 29, 1979, and created a life grounded in family, resilience, and hard work. Together, they made their home in Temecula, California, where they raised their four children: Jeanne, Robby, Jennifer, and Leanna.

Bob had a lifelong love for the open road and spent much of his adult life riding motorcycles every chance he got. What began as a passion for riding grew into a true Harley-Davidson lifestyle that remained part of who he was until his final days. His motorcycles were among his greatest joys, and nothing made him happier than taking long rides with friends and family, feeling the freedom of the road ahead.

Even during his years ashore, Bob never slowed down. Alongside his Son in Law, he co-owned Integrity Plus Floors in Temecula, California, helping grow the company into a thriving family business. In what was meant to be retirement, Bob later took a job at Bev Mo, where he enjoyed the people, the conversations, and especially the employee wine discounts. True to his hardworking nature, however, retirement didn’t last, and before long he found himself back aboard Naval ships once again.

In 2024, Bob was diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, an illness tied to decades of maritime and Navy service. He faced his illness the same way he faced life — with humor, grit, honesty, and very little self-pity.

Above all else, Bob was a storyteller. He believed family history mattered. He wanted future generations to know where they came from, to laugh at the wild stories, and to remember the people who built the family before them. His stories were rarely polished, often outrageous, and always unforgettable — just like him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Raymond Shultz; his sisters Jeanne Shultz and Judith Pierce; His Son in law, Johnathon Kautz and many other beloved family members and friends.

He is survived by his children, Jeanne Kautz, Robby Shultz, Jennifer Leonard, Leanna Sauls, his Son in Law, Kenneth Sauls; his siblings Raymond Shultz, Kathy Shultz, and Margie Thompson; grandchildren, Ashley Shultz, Riley Sauls, Seth Shultz, Tyler Kautz, Avery Shultz, Madison Kautz, Mila Leonard and Bailey Leonard; Nieces & Nephews, Tracy Peters, Raymond Thompson, Susana Serrano, William Serrano, Celina Leon and Alex Leon along with countless extended family and dear friends whose lives were made brighter, louder, and more entertaining because Bob was part of them.

Bob lived life on his own terms — boldly, imperfectly, humorously, and with a deep love for family. His stories will live on for generations, exactly as he hoped they would.

Fair winds and following seas, Bob.

A private family viewing will be held May 13, 2026. Flowers can be sent to the family at Miller Jones Mortuary - 26855 Jefferson Ave., Murrieta, Ca 92562 - until May 13th.

Family & Friends are invited to join us in honoring Dad at Bob’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11am – 2pm. Details to follow.