Gerhard Schulz, Sr.

Gerhard R. Schultz, Sr., 94, passed away in his sleep comfortably at home while on hospice on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in Urbandale, Iowa. He was born on September 2, 1928 in Beelitz, Germany to Richard and Rosalia Schulz. He was married to Mary Gonzales on January 16, 1958 who later passed away in 2016.

Born in Germany, Gerhard applied for his visa and waited 6 months to get a sponsor. He eventually left Frankfurt, Germany on December 13, 1953. Two days later, he arrived in New York then went on to California to find work and learn the English language. It was there that he met the love of his life Mary Gonzales. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t remind her of how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. Mary enjoyed sharing precious bible truths with him so he became one of Jehovah’s witnesses. He valued, treasured and shared with others his love for Jehovah and the promise we long for in Revelation 21:3-4.

Gerhard was an outdoorsman at heart. He loved being on the water and fishing. He was a man who enjoyed taking a hands-on approach to life. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Gerhard was the father to three children, Tyrone Gonzales, Gerhard Richard Schulz, Jr. and Rosana (Timothy) Hawley; he is also survived by his grandchildren Derick Schulz, Nathan Schulz and Natasha Schulz, Koreen Gonzales and Joshua Gonzales, Ryan Pinto, Devin Pinto, Meagan (Colin) Priest; and great-grandchildren Elijah Schulz Pinto and Molly Rose Priest.