Raymond Leonard Schultz

He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 7, 1920. It was a challenging time in the 1920-30s for the Schultz family as his mother, Anna Anderson Schultz, raised 6 children alone. Ray was always looking for ways to provide help for the family showing true strength of character and discipline at a young age. In his early childhood, he would take his wagon to accompany his mother and sister to collect unwanted food from markets, discarded ice, and government food supplies. He spent summers during his high school years working for the Forestry Service on the border of Minnesota and Canada for $1 a day. He proudly spoke of saving all of the money and sending it back to his mother to help. He also worked at Seagull Lake, MN with indigenous guides to show tourists where to fish and explore. He spoke of these times with great fondness as he loved fishing, canoeing, camping, and all things nature, and especially loved the Boundary Waters.

He attended the University of Minnesota then joined the Army after graduation where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He learned to speak fluent Mandarin Chinese at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, served in 3 wars, specialized in military intelligence in Asia, and was awarded several medals. He was on the front lines, in the streets, and behind desks in Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, serving for over 40 years to protect his beloved country that gave him so many opportunities. After retiring from the Army, he was an instructor for the Department of Defense at Camp Peary.

He loved to learn and teach, and was a voracious reader who always had a book or newspaper in his hands. He even mastered reading on the computer in his 90s. He had a special place in his heart for Arizona with its beautiful sunsets, sense of spirituality, and incredible desert life. He and his wife considered Japan their second home and while stationed at Camp Zama, they loved to go out every weekend to explore this amazing country from hot springs to temples; it was always a wonderful adventure.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Diane (Jay), Kathy, Vincent (Flora), Rupert (Jeorgianna) and Maya; grandchildren Lina (Ray), Robert (Katie), and Fischer; and great-grandchildren Leo, Rose, Noah, and Kai.

He was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Jeannette (Dao Phan) Schultz, and siblings Kenneth (Lillian), Mamie (Donald), Bea (Walt), Evie (Edward), and Russ (Joyce).

The family would like to thank his devoted caregiver, Daenette Jackson, his partner-in-crime, for her love and care over these past few years.

He began and ended his life in the same way, taking care of loved ones and for that, we will be forever proud and grateful.

Regard Heaven as your Father, Earth as your Mother, and all things as your Brothers and Sisters...

A private celebration of his life will follow at a later date.