Donald Otto Schultz
September 26, 1926 ~ November 17, 2021
On Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Donald Otto Schultz, loving husband, father grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully at his home in Vienna at the age of 89.
Don was born with his twin sister Donna at home on September 26, 1932 in Mound Prairie, MN to Clarence and Mildred (Tingle) Schultz.
He joined the Navy in 1952 and while he said he wasn’t quick to get his “sea legs” he still had great stories from his time on a destroyer. He received a bachelors degree in Electrical engineering and a Masters Degree in Mathematics from George Washington University in Washington DC. In his professional life he was fondest of his time and work at the Naval research laboratory and later gave many years of service with the Defense Communications Agency. He was always close to home for family time.
On June 18, 1955, he married Carolyn Sue Holton. They loved and raised three daughters, Cynthia, Janice and Suzanne.
Don loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, felling trees, gardening and skiing – all of which he made family adventures. He built and expanded a cabin in West Virginia where the family gathered to hike, ski, grow vegetables, celebrate and rest for 49 years (and counting).
Don loved to explore. Whether it was the inner workings of a New Haven brick oven pizza joint, the Oakland Farmer’s Market sweet corn selection or the vast beauty of New Zealand, Don was all in. Undeterred by age, he made five trips to New Zealand with Suzanne and David beginning at age 83.
As much as he loved the outdoors, Don enjoyed a good book, a challenging game of chess, Impressionist art, and museum strolls. He communicated his lifelong love of learning to his six grandchildren through many trips to the National Museums of History, Art, Air & Space and more. He loaded them into the car, radio playing the classical music he loved, and opened the world for them. One of his greatest joys was visiting the Guggenheim – long on his bucket list – just before the world effectively shut down.
He was known for his sense of humor, his facial expressions that could communicate volumes in an instant and his kind and compassionate spirit. He lived out his faith in his love and devotion to his family and in everyday interactions, treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn and his sister Donna. He is survived by his three children, Cynthia, Janice, Suzanne and David, grandchildren Lauren, Emma, Abby, Brooke and Justin, his sister Clarice, brothers Jerry and Lewis, several nieces and nephews, and his buddy George.
Don was always there for his family when times were bitter as well as sweet. Never missing a birthday, graduation or family gathering, his love and presence also supported us all in times of illness, loss, and uncertainty. He will be missed beyond measure.
Don was born with his twin sister Donna at home on September 26, 1932 in Mound Prairie, MN to Clarence and Mildred (Tingle) Schultz.
He joined the Navy in 1952 and while he said he wasn’t quick to get his “sea legs” he still had great stories from his time on a destroyer. He received a bachelors degree in Electrical engineering and a Masters Degree in Mathematics from George Washington University in Washington DC. In his professional life he was fondest of his time and work at the Naval research laboratory and later gave many years of service with the Defense Communications Agency. He was always close to home for family time.
On June 18, 1955, he married Carolyn Sue Holton. They loved and raised three daughters, Cynthia, Janice and Suzanne.
Don loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, felling trees, gardening and skiing – all of which he made family adventures. He built and expanded a cabin in West Virginia where the family gathered to hike, ski, grow vegetables, celebrate and rest for 49 years (and counting).
Don loved to explore. Whether it was the inner workings of a New Haven brick oven pizza joint, the Oakland Farmer’s Market sweet corn selection or the vast beauty of New Zealand, Don was all in. Undeterred by age, he made five trips to New Zealand with Suzanne and David beginning at age 83.
As much as he loved the outdoors, Don enjoyed a good book, a challenging game of chess, Impressionist art, and museum strolls. He communicated his lifelong love of learning to his six grandchildren through many trips to the National Museums of History, Art, Air & Space and more. He loaded them into the car, radio playing the classical music he loved, and opened the world for them. One of his greatest joys was visiting the Guggenheim – long on his bucket list – just before the world effectively shut down.
He was known for his sense of humor, his facial expressions that could communicate volumes in an instant and his kind and compassionate spirit. He lived out his faith in his love and devotion to his family and in everyday interactions, treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn and his sister Donna. He is survived by his three children, Cynthia, Janice, Suzanne and David, grandchildren Lauren, Emma, Abby, Brooke and Justin, his sister Clarice, brothers Jerry and Lewis, several nieces and nephews, and his buddy George.
Don was always there for his family when times were bitter as well as sweet. Never missing a birthday, graduation or family gathering, his love and presence also supported us all in times of illness, loss, and uncertainty. He will be missed beyond measure.
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I will always remember the times my parents spent laughing and enjoying good food and plenty of drink with Don and Carolyn. After Carolyn passed, the bond between my father and Don only strengthened. It was a friendship all too rare especially among men. My mother and father will miss Don so much as will all of us. God bless the Shultz family. George
Deepest condolences to the Schultz family. Your wonderful Father was such a great friend to our Dad and Mom. We will miss his gentle kindness and his sense of humor. Thankful for all the good times shared when they were a little younger and healthier. Love from Sue and Brian Heenan and family.