Donald A. “Don” Schultz, 89, of Shawano, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 1, 1937, in Shawano, Don is the son of the late Alfred and Barbara (Stempa) Schultz. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Herman, Shawano County. After graduating from Gresham High School in 1955, Don drove log truck for Kroenke Sawmill and gravel truck for MJ Zimmerman, followed by employment at Little Rapids Corporation in Shawano for 37 years where he retired as a machine tender. He proudly served in the Army National Guard, trained as a tank driver.

On September 19, 1959, Don was united in marriage to Donna Quandt, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett. After nearly 60 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on September 13, 2019. They graced many dance halls and wedding dance floors with their various moves, particularly the waltz, polka, and their energetic jitterbug. Each year they took pride in their large garden, spending many hours making it beautiful and gathering all it produced.

Don had quite a variety of interests, many involving the outdoors including fishing, ice fishing, deer hunting and feeding the birds which were especially entertaining. Folks could rely on his reports of all the wildlife he saw in his backyard, including deer, pheasants, cranes and turkeys. He bowled in both couples’ and men’s leagues, at the R & R Bowling Alley in Shawano. Don enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage and sheepshead. Don lit up when watching his children and grandchildren participate in both sports and music performances. He was a loyal member of Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano, where he served as an usher for summer lake park services.

His love of sports was evident in his dedication to the Richmond Athletic Club (Red River Diamond) where he served as president for many years, along with coaching and managing little league. Don was the director of fastpitch, softball leagues, tournaments and spent many years calling the shots and dusting off the plate as an umpire. He was also involved with the Gresham BABA and the Red River Sportsman Club. As an avid sports fan, Don loved watching all Wisconsin’s professional sport teams, along with listening to the Shawano High School boys’ and girls’ sports on the radio.

Don is survived by his children, Dawn (Bob) Brock, of Shawano, Dale Schultz, of Shawano, Danny (Barb) Schultz, of New London, and Debbie (Bart) DeFere, of Shawano; his grandchildren, Mason (Madeline) Brock, Erin Brock, Brett Schultz, Aaron Schultz, and Bailey DeFere; his step-granddaughter, Angela (Kyle) Konitzer; and his great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him ‘Bepaw’, Braedon Brock, Norah Brock, and Callan Brock. He is further survived by his brothers, Kenny (Judy) Schultz, of Shawano, and Henry Schultz, of Shawano; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; Alfred and Barbara Schultz; his brother, John Schultz; his sisters-in-law, Nancy Schultz and Shirley Schultz; and his step-granddaughter, Erin Hill.

A funeral service for Don will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano, with Pastor Scott Ludford officiating. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 9:30 am until the time of the service. Military Honors will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117 following the service. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church Wee Care Program.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Shawano Place and Moments Hospice, especially Jolene, for the kind and compassionate care that Don received.