Robert “Bob” William Schultz

February 7, 1943 - January 9, 2021

Robert William Schultz, 77, of Chatham, IL, passed away unexpectedly due to COVID on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in Fort Myers, FL.  He is at home now with Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

Bob was born February 7, 1943 in Portage, WI to Frank H. and Isabel I. Schultz.  He graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1961, graduated with a teaching degree at UW Stevens Point in 1965, and earned a Master’s Degree in Health Education at Winona State University in 1973.  Bob married his high school sweetheart Judy Kasdorf on August 10, 1963.  They had two children, Robyn and Robert.

Bob was a gentle giant and the patriarch to a family who clearly meant everything to him.  It was commonplace for thousand-mile trips to visit grandchildren in California and sometimes weekly drives to Wisconsin to see grandchildren and extended family.  Bob and Judy were active members of New Life Church in Auburn, IL for over 35 years, and Bob was a board member for many of those.  For the past several years he was dedicated to caring for the love of his life.    They had purchased a home in North Fort Myers, FL in June of 2020 where they had planned to spend their winter months.  He enjoyed all competitive contests, was conscious of health and exercise, had a dry sense of humor, and volunteered for many causes, serving on the board for many of those institutions.  

During high school, Bob played basketball, football, baseball and he wrestled.  He received state recognition as a linebacker in football.  On the UW Stevens Point football team, Bob was a 4-year letterman and an all-conference defensive tackle before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers (16th round) in 1965 during Vince Lombardi’s career.  After being released by the Packers, he was invited to the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent, but declined.  He also played semi-pro football in Madison (1966) and Orlando (1968).  Bob continued his career in football by being a college football referee for four decades. In June of 2019, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Dells Sports Hall of Fame.  

After teaching at the Lake Delton Elementary School and being assistant football coach at Wisconsin Dells High School from 1966-68, the family moved to Clearwater, FL where he taught at the junior high school for one year.  In 1969, he moved the family back to Wisconsin.  From 1969-76, Bob taught high school physical education and was head coach of the Nekoosa Papermakers football team, where he had the best record in the history of the school at the time (39-22-1).  He was also the head coach of the golf team for 7 years, as well as assistant coach in varsity wrestling and basketball.  During the summer months, he ran the town’s recreation programs, which included the swimming pool, baseball and softball leagues. In 1976, the family moved to Springfield, IL where he was a Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance agent and financial advisor, progressed to management, earned advanced degrees, served as a board member for various related entities, and earned a multitude of awards.  He was semi-retired, an educator to the very end.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Isabel and sister Monica (McCormick).

Survivors include:  Judy, his beloved wife of 57 years; daughter Robyn (Michael) Filardo Campbell, CA; son Robert (Lori) Schultz Stevens Point, WI; brother Richard (Eunice) Schultz Wausau, WI; brother John Schultz Arkdale, WI; sister Marie (Lester) Kirchner Arkdale, WI; grandchildren Desireé, Gianni, Shea, Andrew, Lilly, Simon; great-grandchildren Crew, Jack, Beck.

A Celebration of Life will be held, 11:00AM, Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Refuge Church, 801 County Hwy HH, Stevens Point, WI.  The Family will be accepting Friends for a time of visitation at 10:00am until the time of service. 

A luncheon will follow at 12:30PM at The Park Ridge Family Restaurant, 3425 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI. 

Memorial Contributions in memory of Robert William Schultz can be sent by check to:

Operation Boot Strap, 5000 Heffron St., Stevens Point, WI  54481 or New Life Church, 303 S. Clover Lane, Auburn, IL  62615 or Salvation Army

https://give.salvationarmyusa.org

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Guestbook

  1. Robert May Jan 18, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    Bob was a trusted and loving friend for 60+ years. My wife, Christi, and I enjoyed our time with Bob and Judy these last years. It was an honor for me to introduce him at his induction into the Wisconsin Dells Spirts Hall of Fame. We will surely miss him and offer our sympathy and prayers to his family.

  2. Mel & Gerry Roustio Jan 18, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    Bob and Judy became dear friends some seven years ago and an integral part of our Miramar Beach, Florida winter family.

    Gerry and I continued our visits upon return to Illinois since Bob and Judy lived just 35 miles from us.

    We were so very saddened to learn of Bob’s unexpected passing. We send our prayers in behalf of Judy for her continued care and offer our deepest condolences to Bob’s loved ones.

  3. Gary L. Cahoon Jan 18, 2021 at 1:44 pm

    I was Bob’s roommate at Steven’s Point University back in 1962-63. He was a classmate back at Wis, Dells High School and a teammate in football and basketball at the Dells. I considered him to be a good friend back in high school and while at school in Steven’s Point. While at Point, I was one of Bob’s closest fans as well as when he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. While he was coaching, I kept track of him and his teams. I got to see him at annual high school as well as his lovely wife, Judy (who was also a Wis. Dells graduate). One of the “highlights” in “my” athletic career was to see Bob inducted into the Wis. Dells Athletic Hall of Fame. a recognition that he truly deserved ! I will miss not hearing from him or seeing him at the reunions (if the Virus ever lets us get back together). I pray for Judy’s good health and God Bless her and her family. Gary Cahoon

  4. Traci Kimball Jan 18, 2021 at 3:58 pm

    Bob was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I am deeply saddened by this sudden death. I love and will miss Judy as well. Thoughts and prayers are with this entire family! ❤️

  5. Tim McCormick Jan 18, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    what a great man of God and loving to all. I am so thankful we got to have our “heart to heart” talk last summer. God truly ordained that time together. Thank your for always heloing me when around. May the Lord comfort your family as they remember you Uncle Bob

  6. Melissa and Chris Brooks Jan 18, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    Bob and Judy were our caring neighbors here in Chatham and we will miss seeing them on their daily walks with Gracie. Bob and Judy loved stopping to chat with our boys. A gentle giant is the perfect way to describe this man. His love and caring demeanor to his wife Judy was so endearing. Our love and prayers go out to his family.

  7. Joan Tabb Jan 18, 2021 at 5:11 pm

    I briefly knew Bob, yet he was kind and respectful to Zachary and I. I will forever hold Bob in my heart as he welcomed my son, Zachary, into his life and heart. I was in awe of Bob and knew him to “get up and go”, embracing adventure and life. He was very much loved by family, and all who knew him. ❤️❤️

  8. Marty & Dianne Hickey Jan 18, 2021 at 8:28 pm

    We are so saddened to learn of Bob’s passing, a great loss. Our sympathy to Judy & their family. God’s blessings to them.

  9. Denise & Richard Gray Jan 19, 2021 at 4:37 pm

    I will always remember Bob for his gentle way and the best hugs. We were fortunate to get to know him and Judy when they would come to visit Robyn and her family during the holidays and other Filardo family events over the past 25 plus years. I marveled at how he would drive almost non stop to California for those visits and get here in record time. We will miss seeing him, but will keep him in our hearts always. My love and prayers to my friend Judy and to you Robyn and the entire Filardo family at this difficult time.

  10. Terri & David Jan 21, 2021 at 11:29 am

    Our hearts are broken. Bob was a special brother. Although not by blood, he and Judy were the elders of our family after our parents passed. We were comforted by his kind, caring and moral advise. It was always a treat to host he and Judy as a layover on their way to another destination. We have numerous memories of get togethers as early as grade school. We thank God that we had our sibling get together in September 2020. May you rest in peace our “Big Brother”.

  11. Jerry & Carolyn Cordes Jan 21, 2021 at 7:52 pm

    Our heartfelt sympathy to Bob’s family. Our prayers continue for the entire family. We met Bob and Judy the night we moved to Nekoosa on Nov. 1,1969 when they walked across the street and offered to care for our children while our moving truck was being unloaded. Instant friends.

    After they moved to the Springfield area we lost touch for several years, but thankfully were reunited some years ago. Our friendship re-ignited and since then we have spent a lot of time together – church in Florida, meals in Wisconsin, visits, golf, etc. Their home was always open when we were in the area. We will miss them.

    We pray God will be with the family, especially Judy.

    Rest in peace, Bob.

  12. John and Diane Sweat Jan 22, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    We offer our sympathy to Robyn and Bob and families. We only first met Bob and Judy at Amalfi Coast Resort around 15 years ago. We treasure some fun and fond memories with them through the years.

  13. Mike Houston Jan 23, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    Bob & Judy are both very special people. I feel very lucky to have known both of them & to be able to call them friends. Carolyn & I met them when Bob joined the Springfield Jaycees when they moved to Springfield where Bob developed a very successful business. Bob & Judy were very active in the Jaycees and Jayshees, groups that were close knit socially & civically. Bob was a great volunteer in for my first campaign for mayor and my reelection, and always.provided excellent advise. To Judy & the children, please know how saddened Carolyn & I were this morning when we heard on Sam Madonia’s radio program about his passing, and Sam’s comments about his career & officiating. You are in Carolyn’s & my thoughts & prayers. Mike Houston

  14. The DeVany Family Jan 24, 2021 at 5:51 pm

    It has been so many years since we have lived in the same area, but my memories of Bob are very clear…he was a huge teddy bear of a man: a gentle giant. For a little neighborhood girl, he was safe and fun and caring. The Schultz family has always been the most loving and caring family I have ever known. I am saddened beyond words, but I will have the best memories to hold on to. My love and prayers go out to the rest of the family daily! I miss you all!❤️

  15. Mike and Margo Krusing Jan 25, 2021 at 8:41 am

    We wish to send our deepest sympathy to Judy, Robyn, Bob and the their families, whom he loved so very much. Bob was a long time friend and we have so many wonderful memories through out our lives, shared vacations, friendship and laughs!
    He was always a kind gentle man. A gift in our lives. Love to dear Judy, my friend of 70 years.

  16. Jay G Smith Jan 26, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    Through our many football officiating endeavors on and off the field, I had the great fortune of becoming quite endeared to this fine man. He will be missed by many. Condolences to Judy and his family. Jay Smith-Vandalia IL

  17. Chris Hartbank Jan 26, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    First of all, I am very sorry for your loss. I got to know Bob about 20 to 25 years ago when I began officiating college football. Bob and I hit it off from the very start. We shared the same philosophies about officiating and we worked the same position. He was always very helpful as I was just beginning to officiate college football. He was always a gentleman, but always a lot of fun to be around. He will be missed.

  18. Scott Curtis Jan 26, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    My deepest sympathies to Bob’s family and friends. I hope you find peace and comfort. Bob and I met in 2002 while football officiating. He was a mentor and friend. I can remember Bob bringing me to his office and telling me stories of his family and football playing days. We traveled Central Illinois and midwest officiating games. A very respected gentleman. My condolences. – Scott Curtis Chatham, Il

  19. Bill Derks Jan 26, 2021 at 10:58 pm

    I knew Bob through officiating. We enjoyed a trip together to Australia together to officiate. A great experience! I also had the honor of working on the crew with Bob in the State Finals in 2013. I have a lot of great memories from games we worked as well as the time spent in the car before and after games. My deepest sympathy to Judy and all of Bob’s family. He will be missed!

  20. Ric Hinkamper Jan 27, 2021 at 8:05 am

    Bob was a joy to officiate with, I will miss him. Great Guy! Happy our lives crossed paths.

  21. Neil M Williamson Jan 30, 2021 at 10:38 am

    Bob was my Northwestern Mutual Insurance agent since 1978. I’m glad I listened to his Insurance and financial advice. It has paid off richly. Bob quickly became not only my trusted agent but my friend the last 40 years.
    My deepest sympathies and condolences to Judy and family.

  22. Mark and Mary Petrilli Jan 31, 2021 at 10:10 am

    Judy and family, please accept our condolences. I have very found memories of Bob though our involvement in the Springfield Jaycees and Mary and I were insurance clients for many years. He will be missed. He was always very kind, principled and focused. A true gentleman. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

  23. Rick Griminger Jan 31, 2021 at 3:44 pm

    I knew Bob well back in the late 70’s, early 80’s. He was a hard working fellow Jaycee and was one of my life insurance agents. Very easy going and always will to teach me a thing or two.

  24. R Allan Hamilton Feb 1, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Bob was my mentor at Northwestern Mutual as I tried my hand at the business. He was a good friend after that from our many lunches at NAIFA. He loved to go golfing with our group and would go at he drop of a hat. He and I spent the day driving up and down I 55 when the Ryder cup was in Medina had a great time catching up with him. Sorry to see him go.

  25. Bruce "Bucky". Bay Feb 9, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    Judy, I just learned of Bob’s passing by way of the UW-SP Alumni news. Bob was a gentle giant whom I knew during our playing days at Point. Periodically I would have to try blocking Bob during practice, not a fun task. It was great to see him at the 50 year reunion. A great teammate to say the least.
    My condolences too you and your family. He will be missed.

  26. June Simmons (Smith) Feb 26, 2021 at 1:25 am

    I send my sincerest condolences to Bob’s wife, Judy, his children and grandchildren. Bob was a great guy, good friend, financial advisor and pal. I had the privilege of meeting him when I was employed in economic development through the Springfield Chamber of Commerce – never met a finer person. May God bless you with comfort and strength through your time of sorrow and may your shared memories of Bob always be a special blessing.

  27. Jean C Michaels Mar 1, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    I am truly sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. My late husband and I were some of the first to buy life insurance from him when he left teaching at Nekoosa and started working with Northwestern Mutual. He was a wonderful man and much appreciated. God bless all of you.

  28. Cathy and George Hypke May 6, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    There was no greater a man on earth than Bob Schultz. He was devoted, warm and gentle, and a gift to those of us blessed to have known him. He took us under his wing when we joined Northwestern Mutual and always had a kind word and helped out whenever someone needed it. He was a mentor and great friend who will be truly missed. Many prayers have gone up for your peace and comfort. Good to know that Judy is in good hands and being cared for as Bob would wish. I will always keep him in my thoughts. We miss him greatly.

  29. Pastor Kevin Wendt May 6, 2021 at 10:09 pm

    The consolations of Jesus Christ, the living pierced one, be upon Judy and the entire family… 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 PEACE & love in Jesus from Pastor Kevin & God’s people Grace Lutheran Church, Destin, Florida.

  30. Tommy and Carol Coapman Miles Miles May 6, 2021 at 11:59 pm

    We had the pleasure of meeting Bob and Judy and Gracie in the boardwalk in Miramar Beach, a year ago February. We discovered we were bother from the Dells High. And to my amazement learned his mom was my tsp dance teacher. Bob said,. I was that little boy in the back who had to learn all those dance steps but helped me in sports. We had also been at the 2019 WDHS Alumni banquet when he was inducted into Sports Hall of Fame.
    Our dogs name is Gracie too. We became fast friends. Judy always with smiles and hugs, Bob so protective and caring of her.
    We gathered up north at our place Labor Day. It was good. We had just moved to Gulf Shores AL so on their way back to Fort Meyers we spent New Years together as they stopped over. Bob complained of sinus problem but felt better when they left on Saturday. Sunday he texted they had arrived and he felt better.
    Saturday we were shocked to hear from Lori that he had died.. I believe that God sends people into your lives at certain times. Their friendship was new and so very short but it all was very special for us. God Bless the family on their grief journey.

  31. Bob and Diana Johson May 7, 2021 at 7:41 am

    We were saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. It was a wonderful experience getting to know Bob and Judy when they attended the Wisconsin Dells High School Alumni Reunion. Working with the Wisconsin Dells Education Foundation, Bob created the Class of 1961 Scholarship for graduates of Wisconsin Dells High School. Our hearts are with Bob’s family and his beloved wife Judy.

  32. John Rigg May 8, 2021 at 9:39 am

    I met Bob in 2000 through officiating high school and college football. We had a number of great experiences from officiating the games, the camaraderie experienced in our many trips to and from games, a trip to Sydney, Australia in 2003 to officiate high school all-star games, along with working numerous playoff games and 2 state championship games in 2002 and 2002…to our golf games the last several years on most Mondays and Thursday when he and Judy were in town.

    So many great memories of our times together…great friend and gentle giant, who spoke his mind but respected the opinions of others.

    My deepest sympathy to Judy and all of Bob’s family.

    Miss you buddy❣️

  33. Dave and Dena Figueira May 9, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    We were both stunned and saddened to hear of Bob’s sudden passing. We were hoping to golf together in Florida this winter. Bob started out as a good neighbor in Springfield and became a great friend and Northwestern Mutual agent to our family. We shared a love of sports and became high school and college football crew mates for over 25 years. We had the good fortune to work 3 IHSA football State Championship games in 2002, 2006 and 2013 and several NCAA college playoff games together. I will miss our joking and banter about sports especially our Packers/Bears rivalry which he usually got the upper hand. Good health to Judy, Robin and Bobby’s families. God bless.

  34. Tim Wells Jan 14, 2023 at 3:20 pm

    Coach Schultz was a great teacher and human being. As a freshman I was oucked on by a other member of my gym class. One day I couldn’t take it anymore and went off on him. He was more athletic then I was so it wasn’t going to be a fair fight. I saw coach look out, he could see I had it under control and just shut his office door. That was a great life experience. Also I got myself in trouble when the new gym teacher introduced himself as being a former Wisconsin Badger. I proudly announced that Coach Schultz was a PACKER! My relationship with that teacher was never the same. LOL

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