Wendell Schultz, 96, of rural Cedar, died Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was born September 13, 1930, in Reasnor, Iowa, to Lawrence and Arlowene Zickel Schultz. He attended school in Montezuma and then worked as a farmhand, before enlisting in the United States Army in 1950. Two days after his enlistment, the Korean Conflict began, and he prepared for his departure. While in the service, he was awarded two purple hearts and a bronze star. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant on June 23, 1953. Wendell was united in marriage to Marilyn Gosselink on September, 8, 1952, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Before leaving for their first home in Manhattan, Kansas, where he was stationed at Fort Riley, Marilyn was forewarned by her new mother-in-law, “Wendell has always been adventurous.” They went on to enjoy over 74 years of marriage. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Iowa and worked a short time at Maytag in Newton. Factory life was not his style, and he returned to farming which he loved so much. He moved his family west of Sigourney to Knox Farms, where he and Marilyn spent 34 years. He managed Knox and Schultz farms, working his crops and livestock. He loved taking his 4-wheelers or Dodge trucks through the pastures tending his cows, where he greatly enjoyed welcoming a new calf crop. In 1996, he retired from the farm, and he and Marilyn moved to Fremont. His love and talent for tinkering continued to keep him busy. He worked at Cunningham’s in Oskaloosa for several years, as their resident “fix-it” guy. At work or at home, he was eager to lend a hand and ready to teach others who needed help with projects. Wendell was a man of deep faith in God, and thanked him everyday for sending Jesus; he was a member of Park Church of Christ, and was an avid prayer-warrior and Bible reader. He and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, especially out west, taking in the country-side and God’s creation. Wendell cherished his wife, Marilyn, and thanked God daily for the “large family” that He gave them. On his final day, his family, including all nine of his grandchildren, made their way to his side, honoring their strong fearless grandfather that took them on many “don’t tell your mother” adventures. He was the patriarch of his family, leading with faith, love, hard work, patriotism, and a little orneriness.
His life is cherished by his wife, Marilyn Schultz, of Cedar, Iowa. They were blessed with four children: Son- Gary (who he still grieved daily since his passing in January
2025) and his wife, Mary, of Bloomfield, and children Chad and Justin; Son-Randy and his wife, Deb, of Sigourney, Iowa, and children Mindy Hinton, Erin Randall, and Ashley Pyle; Daughter-Debbie Steele Thompson and her husband, Jeff, and children Nathan and Ryan; Daughter-Kathy Street and her husband, Jim, and children Megan Pearson and Logan Street. He is also survived by many great grandchildren; a brother Kenneth Schultz of Montezuma; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary Schultz; a brother, Doyle Schultz; a son-in-law, Frank Tozser; and a great grandson, Dawson Steele. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1:00-3:00pm, the family will be at the Park Church of Christ in Oskaloosa, as a salute to Wendell’s life. At 3:00pm, members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. will perform military honors. Following this, the family and Fred Bowman, minister, will proceed to Garrett Cemetery, Delta, for a private family graveside service.
Though no one could tell a story like Wendell, the family looks forward to spending an afternoon with family and friends celebrating “one of the good ones”. Memorials may be made to Park Church of Christ.
