Pastor Donald C. Schulz, age 89, of Merrill, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill. He was born on February 3, 1927 to the late Christian G. and Hilda (Thimm) Schulz in Ashland, WI. Don attended and graduated from Glidden High School. He continued his education at the Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, IL. He met and fell in love with Ruth Mertig, and the two exchanged vows on December 22, 1949 in Glidden, WI. She survives.
In June 1950, he began serving dual parishes at Trinity Lutheran, Phillips, WI and Christ Lutheran, Ogema, WI. He subsequently served at St. John Lutheran, Luxemburg, WI and Bethlehem Lutheran, Sheboygan, WI. He was installed as pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Merrill, WI in November 1965, and served there until his retirement in June 1990. He touched so many lives during his ministry. He devoted his life to teaching God’s Word.
Don is survived by his wife of 66 years: Ruth L. Schulz of Merrill, WI, his children: Christine Michael of Utica, MI, Rebecca Schulz of Wausau, WI, Donna Schulz of Merrill, WI and Mark (Michele) Schulz of Hortonville, WI, daughter-in-law: Linda Schulz of East Wallingford, VT, grandchildren: Matthew (Tammy) Michael, Peter (Shannon) Michael, Sarah (Christopher) Schoensee, Mary Schulz and Emily Schulz, great grandchildren: Elon Michael, Shaun Michael, Jonathan Michael, Grace Michael, Jackson Schoensee, Katelyn Michael, Jacob Michael and Grant Schoensee.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Christian (Hilda) Schulz, daughter: Linda Schulz, son: Paul Schulz, sisters: Arleen Bergstrom and Lois Bay.
Funeral Services for Don will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 1PM at Faith Lutheran Church. Rev. Kevin Hoogland will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 5-8PM at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill and again on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 12PM and continue until the time of the service. Burial will take place at the Faith Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Scott immediately following the service.
Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.