Arthur "Sam" Schultz

Arthur “Sam” D. Schultz, age 94, of Ceresco, Michigan passed away on May 8, 2025, at his home of seventy-two years surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 2, 1930, at his grandparent’s house in Chester, Michigan, the son of Arthur and Elaine (DePue) Schultz. Sam graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948. He enlisted on July 1, 1948, in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to the Naval Reserve Training Ship before attending United States Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland. He proudly served four years in the United States Navy before receiving his Honorable Discharge. Sam previously worked for a brief time as a police officer for the City of Charlotte, deciding police work was not for him. Sam decided to look for employment in the Industrial industry. He was employed with the Oliver Corporation Aviation Division in Battle Creek. This job is where he met the love of his life, Norma “Jean” Ludwick, they were united in marriage on March 21, 1953. Following their marriage, they purchased their home at Lee Lake and have continued to reside there for 72 years. Following the downsizing and relocation of the Oliver Corporation, Sam became employed with the Eaton Corporation from which he retired in March of 1991. Sam and Jean became parents to three wonderful children, while the children were growing up Sam became involved and got elected to the local two-room country school (Oak Grove) board in 1962, this led him to get elected to the Calhoun County School Board in 1967 and the Harper Creek School Board from 1976 to 1980. Sam and another board member were immensely proud and humbled to have the service center at the CISD named and dedicated as the Gifford/Schultz Service Center for their thirty-six years of service to the board. After retirement in 1991, Sam and Jean joined the Binder Park Zoo as Docents, traveling and showing animals to various schools around Michigan. In 2000, Sam and his wife took their dream trip to Kenya along with other staff and volunteers from the zoo. He and his wife were involved with Binder Park Zoo for ten years. Sam previously volunteered for the Newton Township Fire Department and was involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Sam was an avid fishman, bird enthusiast, and enjoyed volunteering with his wife. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elaine, sister, Doreen “Susie” Kiplinger, and brothers; Douglas, Darwin, Donald, and Dee Schultz and grandson, Sean Schultz. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Norma “Jean” Schultz of Ceresco, sons; Kim (Ann) Schultz of Springfield, MO, and Kirk (Michele) Schultz of Battle Creek, daughter, Karla (Richard) Ebrahimzadeh of Manchester, Ct, sister, Doris Schultz, brother Darrell (Janet) Schultz. Six grandchildren (Rev Jennifer (Brent) Schultz Simmons, Erica (Chris) DeMilia, Trevor (Elyse) Schultz, Trent (Megan) Schultz, Jessica (Adam) Minichelli, and Turner (Megan) Schultz) and twelve great grandchildren (Desmond, Caleb, Fiona, Harper, Landon, Kellan, Emmett, Theo, Toren, Eames, Owen and Clark). A memorial service has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, where the family will receive friends, one hour prior to the service, Rev Jennifer Schultz Simmons officiating. Following the service, a Celebration of Sam’s life will take place at the funeral home. Inurnment to take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery later. Memorial contributions in Sam’s memory may be made to Binder Park Zoo, Centrica Care Hospice, or the charity of one’s choice. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org