Ralph E. Schultz

Ralph E. Schultz

(December 17, 1927 – September 15, 2023)

Ralph E. Schultz , 95, of Strasburg, IL, passed away at 11:47 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023 in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church, Strasburg, IL, with Rev. Kene Whybrew officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, and 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, both in the church. Burial will be in Grace Cemetery, Strasburg, IL. Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church, Grace Cemetery, or Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, IL. Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg, IL.

Ralph was born on December 17, 1927 in rural Strasburg, IL, the son of Clarence A. and Celia F. (Kull) Schultz.  He graduated from Windsor High School in the Class of 1945.  Ralph’s farming career began at age 16, when he was asked to drive Willie Smith’s new combine.  He was a lifelong farmer and helped drive the combine during the 2022 harvest season.  Ralph married Helen J. Durre on July 10, 1955. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Strasburg and Shelby County Farm Bureau.  Ralph was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed square dancing with his wife and crop checking with his sons.

Ralph is survived by his twin sons, Terry Schultz (Chris) and Gary Schultz (Cheryl) all of Strasburg, IL; brother, Ervin Schultz (Martha) of Lexington, TN; grandchildren, Clint Schultz, Calvin Schultz (Michelle), Scott Dobbs, Jennifer Sanchez (Justin), Jason Staszak, Cory Schultz, and Elijah Schultz (Valerie); great grandchildren, Waylon and Charlotte Schultz, Ainslie Eident, Maggie Dobbs, Eli, Rylee and Alyse Sanchez, Hannah Senteney, MaKenzie Hill, Luke Senteney, Malachi Staszak, and Micah Staszak; and one great great grandchild, Ryder Vidal.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen Schultz on November 3, 2018; sister, Melba Ruff (Don); grandson, Christopher Senteney; and great grandson, Sterling Schultz.