Richard “Dick” Ralph Schultz, a man of integrity, valor, and civic zeal, left this world on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Richard was born on September 12, 1948, in Fort Atkinson, son of the late Ralph and Ruth (Ganzer) Schultz. He attended Fort Atkinson High School and graduated in 1967.
His life’s journey was one marked by service to his country, dedication to community, and a lasting impact on local politics and sports. Richard’s legacy is a testament to the power of active citizenship and the deep footprint one can leave through passionate commitment to the public good.
Entering the United States Army in April 1969, Richard was trained in Military Intelligence and quickly demonstrated his prowess by being sent to Vietnam in October of the same year. His service was distinguished by receiving an Army Commendation Medal – a recognition of his bravery and commitment. After completing his duty at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Richard was honorably discharged in April 1972, forever carrying with him the principles of discipline and service that had become second nature.
Richard’s work ethic carried over seamlessly into his civilian life, where he took on various roles, eventually becoming Human Resources Manager at Moore’s Food Products. Ever the leader, he also held managerial positions at Stop N Go, Clark, and Lions Quick Mart before retiring. His dedication to work was paralleled only by his fervor for political engagement.
Embarking on his political career early, Richard founded the Jefferson County Young Democrats. His own bid for office as a State Representative in 1972 showcased his unwavering commitment to the political process, despite losing to incumbent Rep. Bryon Wackett. Demonstrating a bipartisan spirit, he managed campaigns across party lines with vigor, such as leading the Republican Milt Lorman’s campaign in 1978.
Locally, Richard became a staple of Fort Atkinson governance, serving six years on the City Council, including two years as President, and three years on the School Board. His dedication extended to a 12-year term on the Jefferson County Board and involvement in the Police and Fire Commission as well as on the Planning Commission. His leadership was influential across multiple facets of community development and direction.
Community service also had a calling for Richard. He presided over the Fort Atkinson Jaycees, chaired the Park and Recreation Board, and led the Beautification/Development Council, encapsulating his commitment to the city’s prosperity and allure. As a Fort Atkinson Rotary Club member and United Way Board President, he channeled his efforts towards global and community welfare alongside his advocacy for veterans through the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 309.
Richard began his journey in sports as a coach for grade school basketball, football, and soccer teams, instilling in young athletes the values of teamwork and perseverance. Richard’s love for soccer blossomed in 1979 when he played an instrumental role in establishing youth soccer in Fort Atkinson. Lauded by the Daily Union as “The Father of Fort Atkinson soccer,” Richard’s efforts led to the foundation of the Southern Wisconsin Men’s Soccer League, wherein the Lorman’s Men’s team thrived under his guidance, nabbing several championships over 13 years.
In sports administration, Richard was President of the Capital Soccer Region for a year, significantly impacting the Madison area’s soccer community. Moreover, his expertise proved invaluable as he served as Assistant Soccer Coach for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and went on to coach both the varsity girls and junior varsity boys at Fort Atkinson High School.
Richard’s global perspective extended beyond the athletic fields into the realm of international exchange. He collaborated with various programs to place international students, fostering cultural understanding for 30 years. Richard welcomed 21 students into his home from across the globe, transforming the lives of young people from Peru, Brazil, Turkey, England, Norway, Iceland, Germany, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Bangladesh, Australia, Spain, Italy, Cameroon, Egypt, Scotland, Denmark, Netherlands, and Chile. His heart was as wide as the number of countries his guests hailed from, and he graciously hosted an Ecuadorian student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for four years.
His excellence in promoting international friendships and education did not go unrecognized; Richard earned prestigious awards such as the School District Partnership Award in 2003 and the accolade of Wisconsin Global Educator of the Year by The Friends of International Education in 2018. Rotary International honored him with the Four Avenues of Service Award, while the Wisconsin Library Association bestowed upon him a Citation of Merit in 2010. He was also known as a thought leader, earning the title of ‘Best Letter to the Editor Writer’ by the Daily Jefferson County Union.
Richard is survived by his sister, Mary (Eugene) Frohmader; brother, Steven Schultz; brother-in-law, Thomas Rode; a very special young man, who was like his son, Martin (Maria) Moguel and his family and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Kay Schultz and Susan Rode.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
And finally: When I leave this world, the only monument to myself … is that it made a difference that I was here.
Richard “Dick” Ralph Schultz
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Dick was an instrumental part of our 1986 soccer team at UW Whitewater and our journey to the school’s first NCAA tournament bid. He was the glue that kept all the guys together. He will be missed!!