William George Schatz

On Tuesday, December 13, 2016 William (Bill) G. Schatz passed away, from serious lung disease, in his home in Gold Hill, OR. Bill was born in Boomer, Wisconsin to George and Ida Schatz on March 23, 1945. Bill was the youngest of 6 children. He grew up on a farm in Holcombe, WI and graduated high school from Holcombe High. Bill moved to Medford, Oregon 1964, and married Ruth Woll from Cornell, WI in August 1966. In December 1973 Bill & Ruth welcomed their first son, Troy, and in October 1977, their 2nd son, Lee. In 1994 and 8 year old young girl came into their lives. After a few years this young girl, Desiree, became a permanent member of the Schatz Family when Bill & Ruth adopted her July 19, 2001. In 1977 Bill moved his family to Sams Valley where they lived for 22 years. In 1999 Bill & Ruth purchased their dream property across the street. There, they built their home where he lived out the rest of his days raising cattle and caring for an stray that happened to wander onto the property. He took pride in keeping his land beautiful, and spent his evenings admiring his picturesque view of Mt. McLaughlin. Seeing the abundant wildlife fulfilled him. Bill made his livelihood working at Medco Plywood Mill in Medford, and retired from Boise Cascade Plywood Mill in White City in 2010. Bill was truly a relic from a better age. He loved his family above all else, especially the time he spent with his grandchildren; Vaugh, Tearen, Destini, Tavian and Dante. He worked hard for everything he had, and set a perfect example of how to be a good man, husband and father. Bill is proceeded in death by his father, George, his mother, Ida, and siblings, Larry. Lois and Helen. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruth, and his sons and their families; Troy & his wife, Melinda, their children Vaughn, Tearen, and Zander, his son Lee and his family, wife, Virginia, their children Destini & Dante, and his daughter, Desiree and her son Tavian. He is also survived by his brother Rolly, his wife Joyce, and his sister Lucille Davis from LaCross, WI, as well as many nieces and nephews. The Schatz Family welcomes anyone who would like to pay their respects to join them at Bill’s Celebration of Life Open House, on Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 12:30 – 4:00pm at their home in Sams Valley. If you would like to share a few thoughts, memories or words please join the family at 2pm.