William J Schulz

Also known as Bill, Pop, Dad, Uncle Will, Uncle Bill, occasionally Wilbur, and (most proudly) Grandpa, age 81, of Beavercreek passed away Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. He is now at peace after a long and difficult battle against a multitude of health challenges. He set a tremendous example for how to handle the pain of disease, the frustration associated with the gradual loss of vision and mobility, the challenges of treatments and physical rehabilitation, and the indignities associated with the loss of independence, all with grace and courage. He never lost his intellectual sharpness or his sense of humor, and was particularly proud when he could catch one of his “kids” (who are all in their 50’s) with a Dad joke. He was also the undisputed champion of the family Jeopardy text message group.

He was born on April 14th, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey to the late Charles J. and Thelma Evelyn (Bowdish) Schulz. He is also preceded in death by his twin brother Charles and wife Gail Schulz; his sister Jean (Schulz) Scarola; his nephew Michael Scarola; and his niece Ann Gerrits. He was deeply saddened by these losses, and while we will miss him terribly, we are comforted by the faith that he has been reunited with his departed loved ones and by the fact that he is no longer burdened by the limitations of his earthly body.

He is survived by his beloved “Margie” (Peg), his wife of 58 years, Margaret (Fleischmann) Schulz, of Dayton. They were set up on a blind date not long after he moved to Dayton, and the rest is almost 6 decades of history. She was truly the great love of his life, and even when he was feeling his worst he would pipe up with a happy “Is that a Margie?” when she came into the room.

He is further survived by his children Joseph (Kristina), Kathleen (Jose) Rodriguez, Robert (Victoria), and Linda (Eric) Anderson; his brother-in-law William Scarola; grandchildren Robert, Evan, Sophie, Matthew, Rory, Christine, Sydney, and Evelyn; step-grandchildren Grace and Meg; nephews David (Michelle) Schulz, Charles (Louise) Schulz, Donald Schulz, and Andrew (Lourdes) Kaczkowski; niece Judi (George) Pulig; and a special cousin Barbara Saake. By opening his home and heart to foster children Sandy and James, he was further blessed with foster grandchildren Jamie and Angel and foster great-grandchildren Kiara, Makayla, Shaley, Robert, Joseph, Shay, Caleb, and James.

His family was the most important thing in his life. He was always there to help and encourage his kids with life questions and schoolwork (especially math questions), and made sure they “hit the books” without “burning the candle at both ends.” He was involved with his children as a Boy Scout leader, T-ball and soccer coach, and a band chaperone parent, even though this involved sleeping on a gym floor. In a recent oral history accomplished by his granddaughter Evie, he was asked to list the most interesting thing about himself. Prompts were “have you ever met anyone famous or invented something, etc.” and his answer was his kids and grandkids.

Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He was in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the Newark College of Engineering where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned into the USAF. His first assignment sent him to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Materials Engineering. He served in the USAF for 6 years followed by over 30 years as an Air Force civilian employee, all at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He inspired an interest in mechanics/technology in all of his kids, and a love of aviation in his 2 sons.

His hobbies included fishing with his family and friends, going out to eat with his family and friends, keeping up with his family and friends through phone calls, emails, and Facetime, and sitting on his back porch enjoying a nice day with his family and friends. Seems the company was more important than the activity! In his younger days, Bill enjoyed a good Manhattan and sharing cocktail hour with his family, and the “Dad pour” was always known to be a generous one. Whatever your beverage of choice, we ask that you raise a glass in Bill’s memory with YOUR family and friends!

Bill’s faith was deeply important to him. He attended Catholic schools growing up, and was a member of St Luke Parish for over 50 years. He regularly attended Mass, and served as an usher and “collection-counter” for many years. Most importantly, though, he lived his faith every day and served as a role model for his children and foster children, as well as a father figure for several of his kids’ friends. Another question in his oral history asked which person, living or dead, he would most like to talk to; his answer was Jesus Christ, to ask for clarification and guidance.

Bill’s family would like to thank the many, many caring people in the healthcare, health aide, and physical and occupational therapy professions whose compassionate care and professionalism extended his life and allowed him to maintain a measure of independence in spite of his physical challenges. There is truly no way to adequately express our gratitude.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 5 to 7pm on Friday, September 29, 2023 at Tobias Funeral Home-Beavercreek Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at St Luke Catholic Church, 1440 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH. Interment will be at a later date, with family gathering at the Dayton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Luke Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1440 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek OH 45432.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tobias-fh.com for the Schulz family.