Gordon Schulz, age 86, passed away after complications from a heart attack on April 25 surrounded by his family.
Gordon was born on August 1, 1931 in Carbon, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in Plentywood, Montana where he helped at his parents’ restaurant, The Dairy Lunch, and graduated from Plentywood High School in 1950. His family moved to Lodi and Gordon owned a service station and later worked as a produce manager at Safeway in Stockton. He entered the Air Force in 1951 and served at Perrin Air Force Base, working in the finance office, in Sherman Texas. It was there where he met the love of his life, Janet English, who was working as a secretary in the Wing Headquarters. Gordon and Janet fell in love and had a wonderful marriage for 64 years until Janet passed away just five months ago. Gordon missed the love of his life and is now reunited with her in heaven.
While in the Air Force, Gordon was sent to Narsarsuaq, Greenland during the Korean War where he served as staff sergeant. After a very cold year away from his new bride, he returned and the couple lived in Louisiana until he was honorably discharged in 1955.
Gordon and Janet moved to Lodi where Gordon became an electrician at General Mills where he worked for 40 years until his retirement in 1995. He worked hard for his family and was known for his friendliness, kindness and willingness to help anyone in need. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed.
His family joked that he had magic hands because he was able to fix just about anything that he touched. He was a devoted and loving husband and father to his daughters, LeAnn Barclay (son-in-law, Jack Barclay) of Galt, and Peggy DeUlloa (son-in-law, Joe DeUlloa) of Davis and grandfather to Joseph Barclay, age 25, and Owen Lingbloom, age 16. He gave everything to his family ensuring they were well taken care of, always felt loved, and had a home where things were organized and in good working order. He was a true partner in life to his wife, Janet, and together they provided the most loving home and childhood experiences for their daughters. The family enjoyed trips to National Parks, camping in the mountains when his daughters were young, and spending time together. Gordon also sang in the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Lodi for many years.
Gordon loved going places and was very active and self-sufficient his whole life. He could be seen frequently in the family’s yard, which he maintained meticulously, tinkering with items that needed fixing in the garage, or working on various cars, which he had a passion for.
Gordon had a love of coffee (which he drank morning, afternoon, and even right before bed). He met with a group of friends to talk over coffee at the Village Coffee shop every day. He also formed a special bond with many of the people at Starbucks where he’d go almost daily for his mocha with whipped cream.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Janet Schulz, his sister, Anna Schulz, brothers, Roy and Irvin Schulz, and parents, Otto and Christina Schulz.
An informal celebration of life with cookies and coffee (of course) will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Lodi, Fireside Room, on Sunday, June 3 at 2:00 p.m. Please join us to share our memories of Gordon as we enjoy treats, coffee, and fellowship.