Kenneth Schultz

TRAVERSE CITY — Kenneth W. Schultz, 84, of Traverse City and formerly of Lapeer, passed away Friday, July 23, 2010, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.Kenneth was born on July 11, 1926, to the late Herman and Florence (Breight) Schultz in Alpena. Ken was raised in Alpena spending summers on his grandmother's farm.Ken answered the call of duty, leaving his senior year of high school to serve his country as airplane mechanic, repairing P51 Mustangs in the Philippines with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.Ken entered into marriage with the former Marilyn Juanita Ahrens on March 16, 1957, in Wayne. After Ken attended Valparaiso University for two years he returned to join his father in sales for Sinclair Oil Company, making his home and raising a family in Lapeer. Ken was a member of Optimist Club in Lapeer and an Elder at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.Ken enjoyed dancing, especially the polka, and could often be found gardening, working outside around the house or working on his latest wood carving. Ken was always one to have animals around, from household dogs to a donkey, and even passed time keeping bees. In earlier years Ken loved to spend family trips camping, setting off to a new destination whether up north or out west. For the past 11 years Ken and Marilyn have made Traverse City their home and are members at Trinity Lutheran Church. Kenneth is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Marilyn Schultz; his daughter, Sherrie (Danny) Bjoraker of Traverse City; his son, Kenneth (Jeanne) Schultz of Grand Rapids; four grandchildren; a sister, Carole (Dr. Charles) Renshaw; and many other loving family members and friends.Memorial services will take place at noon on Monday, July 26, 2010, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Robert Zagore will officiate.Memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Hour Ministries or Munson Hospice House. Please share thoughts with the family at Ken's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.