WILLIAM Walter SCHULZ

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WILLIAM SCHULZ Peacefully our Dad and Opa, William (Bill) Walter Schulz, passed away September 16, 2016, at the Morris General Hospital, at the age of 95. Bill is survived by his children - Ruth, John (Katharine), Marlene (Nick), his grandchildren - Garrett, Katarina, and Kendra, and his brother Rudy. Bill was predeceased by his wife Helena, sister Frieda, and brothers Harry and Henry. Bill was born February 3, 1921 in Feurstenan, Russia. He immigrated to Canada with his parents and siblings in 1924. In 1927, the family moved onto their farm on the banks of the Marsh River near Ste. Elizabeth, Manitoba. Bill remained on that farm until 1997. He attended Jerome School in his younger years. His education was basic but his desire to learn and ask questions never stopped. During the Second World War, Dad served his faith and spent time as a Conscientious Objector, performing alternative civilian service at a lumber camp. After the war, he worked several labour jobs before returning to the farm. Bill grew his own farm over the 1960s by purchasing parcels of land from his mother and neighbours. He married Helena in 1961, at an age when most were already dealing with teenagers. He was thankful for the opportunities family life gave him and he worked hard on the farm through all types of weather, raising livestock, and helping Helena maintain her large garden. He was so proud of his three children and later his grandchildren, staying interested in their lives and supportive of their endeavours. He even joined the grandkids tobogganing down the Morris dike in his 80s, much to the dismay of his wife and children. He always credited Helena as the foundation of their successful life and work partnership, raising a family and running a farm together for over 30 years. Bill had creativity for finding fixes to anything and everything. He could make a whistle out of a willow branch and whip up an apple picker with just a few simple items. His love of music showed in the humming and whistling you would often hear from him - usually a march, waltz or hymn. He even got all three kids to join him playing instruments in the local community band, a passion he had since playing in the Dominion City band in the 1960s. After the flood of the century, in the spring of 1997, they moved off the farm into Morris to retire. This didn't slow down Bill as he continued to work on a large garden, do minor fix ups to the house, and volunteer weekly at the local MCC thrift store. He particularly enjoyed trips to the local coffee shops to meet up with old and new friends, preferably farmers with whom he could trade stories and discuss current farming issues. In 2015, Bill and Helena moved to the Parkside Villa in Morris where he lived until his health declined. Bill's faith never wavered through his life and we are happy he can now rest in the hands of his Lord. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Morris General Hospital for their excellent care. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Jake Peters, John Braun, and Harry and Ruth Hildebrand, along with Dad's many community friends, for their kindness and support. Donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank or CNIB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016