Richard Schultz, age 74, of Prior Lake, MN, passed peacefully Monday, May 16, 2022, after a 47-day
battle with stomach cancer.
All services for Rich will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Avenue,
Prior Lake. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, from 4-7 pm, and on Friday, May 20, from
10-10:45 am, with a Christian Funeral, at 11 am. Guests may also join via livestreaming by visiting
immanuel-fishlake.org. Rich will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Revered Dr. Brent L
Parrish will preside. His pallbearers will be Art Zaudtke, Kenny Kohout, Herb Kohout, Larry Miller,
Mike “Sparky” Hennen, and Doug Jasmer.
The simple life of Richard Herman Schultz began on January 9, 1948, in Minneapolis, MN. He was
the first of two sons to Everett and Dorothy (Miller). Rich and his younger brother, Steve, grew up on
the farm, learning the values of hard work, dedication to family and having a strong faith in God. He
was proud of his farming heritage and was involved in FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4H, with
showing cattle at the county and state fairs.
After graduating from Jordan High School in 1966, Rich proudly served in the United States Army
Reserves for several years. He eventually began a 40 plus year career working for Green Giant (now
Silgan), in the plant manufacturing cans. Rich retired in June of 2010.
On November 16, 1974, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rich married the love of his life, Jeannette
“Jan” Ann Kes. They spent the next 47 years raising their children, Deanna, Stacey, Kristin, and Dan
and making wonderful memories, on the farm in Prior Lake. As the family grew up, they enjoyed the
annual summer vacations up north with relatives, and other places. Later, Rich and his family relished
an Alaskan cruise celebrating his retirement and a Christmas vacation to Mexico. He and Jan also
enjoyed taking bus tours all over the United States, this way both could see the scenery and relax.
As a boy, Rich formed a lifelong passion for fishing, which he passed down to his children. Rich loved
all seasons, especially ice fishing. His favorite lakes to fish were Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake.
Rich enjoyed deep sea fishing and salmon fishing. Rich also liked bird and deer hunting with family
and friends.
Rich enjoyed the simple things in life. The 3-hour bank run, driving around looking at the fields and
lakes, stopping for a cup of coffee at Lydia Prime Time with his buddies and swinging through the
Fish Lake church and cemetery making sure everything was okay. Rich enjoyed playing cards with
friends, vegetable gardening and sitting on his bench in the backyard enjoying nature and drinking a
cold beer.
Through the years, Rich stayed true to his youth values. He remained dedicated to working hard and
staying connected to the farm raising cattle and tending to the chores on his Oliver tractors. Rich was
a loving and supportive husband. He was proud of his children and remained active in their lives, as
youths and as adults. One of the greatest gifts was becoming a grandpa. Rich adored his
grandchildren and loved their unique personalities. In his eyes, they could do no wrong. And finally
having a strong faith in God. Rich dedicated his life to Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was always
involved with special roles as an elder, trustee, and treasurer.
A gentle giant, Rich was humble, loving, caring, quiet, patient, and kind. He loved being around
people and making them laugh. Left remembering him forever in their hearts, Rich will be missed by
wife, Jan; children, Deanna (Scott Hafermann) Vochoska, Stacey (Mark Stang) Schultz, Kristin
Schultz, Dan (Kristin Lamusga) Schultz; grandchildren, Addey Vochoska, Karley Vochoska, Maren
Lamusga, Nora Lamsuga; brother, Steve (Pat) Schultz; other relatives and friends. Greeting him
home in Heaven are his parents.
Share a message with Richard’s family at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
Offer Condolence for the family of Richard Schultz
Print Obituary & Condolences
fran cikanek
so sory for your loss jan he was a good friend rsp
Dennis Whalton
Deanna, Addey, and Karley, I am so sorry that you have lost your dad and your Grampa. He must have been a wonderful man to have raised such a great daughter and helped raise two fabulous granddaughters. My thoughts and prayers are with you as long as you need them.
Sharon Adelmann
Keeping you and the family in my prayers. Know that the love you had and the memories will keep you going until we all will be together again.
Roger Dahlstrom
Vary sad that Richard has passed. Always knew to be a great person. Very special individual.
Jo Hoffman
Jan and family. I am holding you in my heart as God welcomes Rich into his heavenly kingdom with loving arms.
Raymond Joachim
Could there be a nicer man in the world?
Just like his wonderful mother who as high school secretary was a true role model.
Patty and Steve Kohout
Jan and family,
We are saddened to hear of your loss of Rich. One of the kindest people I have ever known. Always a smile on his face and his laugh, I always loved his laugh. He Always was a happy person to be around. we will also miss him dearly. sending many prayers and hugs to you all. please know he will Always be watching over you with that wonderful smile and that laugh that I’m sure everyone in heaven is now enjoying. Rest in peace Rich with no more pain. We love you and will always be thinking of you.
Julie Boyle
Deanna and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It appears he made a big impact on so many people and passed on those gifts to his family as you, Deanna, have made a big impact on mine. Prayers for comfort are heading your way.
Blessings
Kurt and Mary Boegeman
We are sad to hear of Rich’s passing. Rich’s smile made everyone smile, such a warm-hearted, good man. Rich will be missed by all.
Ruth Kemper
Deanna, Addey, and Karley, I’m very sorry for your loss!
Your Dad/ Grandpa brought leadership and joy to so many people.
May he rest in peace.
Ruth
Schultz Mary
To Jan and your wonderful family,
I hope the love, prayers and kindness you receive from family and friends give you the strength you need during this difficult time. I will always remember the fun times we shared at the Holy Cross volleyball games. Memories are truly a gift.
Love, Mary Schultz
Gerald J. Meyer
I was saddened to learn of Rich’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Rich for many years at Pillsbury-Green Giant Container Operations in Savage, MN. He was a most capable and genuine co-worker over the several technical jobs he proudly served. People like Rich, his work ethic, attitude, dependability, etc.,
were key to the millions of top quality cans/ends we turned out each year for the proud Jolly GG label.
I hope his favorite Oliver tractor follows him into heaven.
Our best to the family going forward. Rich has left a true legacy on life’s values.
Gerald J. Meyer
Shirley Theis
Jan – my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Rich was indeed a dear man, and always with a big smile on his face. May he rest in peace.
Terrence Sullivan
What a nice guy!! Worked with Dick 40 years!! Always nice to run into and visit with!! Condolences!
Paula Hook
Jan
To you and your family I want to express sympathy. It was a shock when Pastor Parrish told me about the funeral he held yesterday. I don’t know if you knew that Richard and I were third cousins.
I will keep you in my prayers as you have been through a difficult time
Paula (Mueller) Hook