Gerald Ted Schultz

Gerald “Jerry” Ted Schultz, MD, was born on June 13, 1929, in Waterloo, Iowa, where he grew up and built the foundation for the life he would lead. He spent his childhood summers in Denver, with his Aunt Hattie and Uncle Ben, but Iowa always had a special place in his heart, and that pride never faded. He attended the University of Iowa, earning his undergraduate degree in 1952 and going on to complete medical school there in 1956. From early on, it was clear that Jerry was dedicated, focused, and driven—but also grounded and genuine.

After medical school, he completed his internship in St. Petersburg, Florida, then returned to Iowa for residency training in general surgery and later Otolaryngology, the specialty that became his life’s work. In 1961, Gerald joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Lieutenant Commander in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was proud of his service and carried that sense of responsibility with him throughout his life.

It was during his time in Virginia that Jerry met Shirley Mendel, of blessed memory. They were married on December 5, 1965, in Atlanta, GA, and moved to Florida, where Jerry went into private practice with his older brother, Dr. Marvin Schultz, of blessed memory. They became the first two ENT physicians on staff at Holy Cross Hospital, and Jerry remained there for nearly 30 years, practicing medicine until his retirement in 1990. He took great pride in his work, but even more pride in caring for people.

His true passion was the human voice. In 1984, he founded the South Florida Foundation for Vocal Disorders, combining science, compassion, and creativity to help others communicate and perform at their best. Through this work, he became the house physician for performers at the Parker Playhouse and Sunrise Musical Theater, caring for performers who found themselves on the road and in need of expert help. He also worked as an adjunct research scientist with the University of Florida and was a member of the: Broward County Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, American Medical Association, Florida Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and board certified with the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

As accomplished as Jerry was professionally, his greatest joy was his family. He adored his son David and his daughter Tracy; there was no doubt how proud he was of them. Later in life, becoming a grandfather to Sam and Harris brought him tremendous happiness. He loved watching them grow and cherished his time with them.

Jerry also knew how to enjoy life. Golf was a passion of his. He spent hours on the course fine tuning his game, and it paid off. He was a great golfer. He went on many trips with a group of friends who called themselves the “Boy Scouts.” He also loved to fish, especially fly fish. He and his brother went to Alaska several times together to fly fish for salmon. And he definitely enjoyed a little gambling now and then. Whether it was trips to Vegas, or junkets over to the Bahamas, he loved craps and black jack in their casinos and then poker when it legalized in Florida. He was a lifelong sports fan—deeply loyal to his Iowa Hawkeyes, and later to his Florida teams: the Miami Dolphins, Heat, Panthers, and Hurricanes. At one point, he had season tickets to the Dolphins, Heat, and Panthers, all within the same year. After retiring, he spent several weeks each year in Colorado, skiing in the winter and fly fishing in the summer—doing exactly what he loved.

He took excellent care of himself, believing that staying active and healthy was both a gift and a responsibility. That discipline reflected who he was: thoughtful, intentional, and appreciative of life.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley, his parents Julius and Lena Schultz, his brother Marvin, his sister-in-law Ethel, and his niece Vicki. He is survived by his son David, his daughter Tracy and her husband Ray, his grandsons Sam and Harris, his nephews Barry (Marcy) Schultz and Dean Schultz, and many loved grandnieces and grandnephews.

Gerald Ted Schultz, MD, lived a life of purpose, kindness, and quiet strength. He healed people, supported his family, followed his passions, and never lost sight of what truly mattered.

We will miss him dearly—but we are grateful for the many years we were lucky enough to share with him.

May his memory always be a blessing.