Thomas Edward Schultz, 78, of Gilbert, Arizona was gently called home by the Lord on Thursday January 18, 2024, at his home surrounded by love and family. Tom had a gift for making people laugh through his often self-deprecating sense of humor, quick wit, infectious laughter and classic quips “oh geez”. His ability to lighten the mood with laughter stayed with him to the end, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tom was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Beaver Dam, WI on April 23, 1945 of parents Robert (Bob) and Genevieve (Gen) Schultz. After graduating from Juneau High School in 1963, he attended stenographer school in Madison, WI and began his career as a court reporter in Port Washington, WI. Tom married Karen M. Neitzel of Randolph, WI on May 21, 1966 at Immaculate Conception Church in Juneau, WI and had two sons, Tony and Jeff. In 1974 Tom moved his family to Tucson, AZ where he continued working as a court reporter for the Arizona Superior Court in Pima County. Tom retired after 35 years of court reporting.
Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball, water skiing, and golf, carding four hole-in-ones over the course of his lifetime.
Survived by sons Tony (Keri) and Jeff (Kathy), and grandsons Cameron, Joseph, Benjamin, and Ryan. Former wife Karen of Mesa, AZ with whom he maintained a close friendship. He is also survived by sisters Kay (Mike) Peters, Sue (Harv) Marten, Linda (Larry) Hafenstein, Ann (Blaine) Krentz, and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his loving parents Bob and Gen Schultz, and his dearly loved brother Chuck.
Vigil will be held on Monday, 1/29/2024 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85204.
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, 1/30/2024 at 11:00am at St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church, 2654 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295.
Private Interment services for the family following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Tom’s name to Eternal Spring of Gilbert, Memory Care, 940 E. Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295; the Alzheimer’s Association, https://act.alz.org/donate; or your favorite charity.
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral home is offering an online guestbook where you can share memories of Tom or send condolences to the family at https://www.qohcfh.org/obituaries/obituary-listings
Published by Arizona Daily Star from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2024.
