William A. (“Bill”) Schultz passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. He was 99.
He was born on July 4, 1921, to the late August Schulz and Anna (Pfaff) Schulz in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Bill served his country in World War II, U.S. Army, 11 Armored Div, in France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria. Writing home to his sister from Belgium he said, “You really don’t know what life is until you have to fight for it.” He returned from war a decorated soldier, awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a proud Lifetime Member of VFW Post 8441, Vernon, N.J.
In 1947, Bill married Joyce Gasinski and started the first of three successful businesses. Together Bill and Joyce raised four children and worked side by side until Joyce’s death in 1994. After he retired, Bill’s love of the ocean and boating drew him to the Jersey Shore where in 2004 he met Anna Marie Schuler, and they enjoyed a life of happy companionship in Brick, N.J., until his recent passing.
Bill had a warm gregarious nature and made friends wherever he went. He took great pride in his family and loved animals.
He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine B. “Joyce(Gasinski) Schultz; brother, August Schultz; and his sister, Lorraine (Schultz) Christoffels.
Bill is survived by his daughter ,Barbara and husband, John Mikulik, of Brick, N.J.; daughter, Beverly and husband, Steve Calcutt, of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; sons, William and wife, Suzanne of Chatham, Mass., and Brian and wife, Nancy, of Vernon, N.J.; grandchildren, John Mikulik of Highland Lakes, N.J., Ken Mikulik of Manasquan, N.J., Christine Smith of Lakewood, Colo., Amy Thomas of Norfolk, Va., Stephen Calcutt of Pembroke Pines, Fla., William Schultz of Broomfield Colo., Kelly Schultz of Neptune, N.J., and Nicole Schultz of Union Beach, N.J.; and great-grandchildren, Drew, Anthony, Michael, Lauren, and Emma who will all remember him fondly.
A family Celebration of Life was held in February. There will be a private internment in May at the Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, N.J.