Ronald "Ron" Ervin Schultz (70) of Stewardson

Ronald “Ron” Ervin Schultz, 70, of Stewardson, IL, passed away after battling diabetes all his adult life and then an unexpected, brief battle with cancer on Monday, June 6, 2022, at 4:17 p.m. in Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years and all his children.

A Christian funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with burial in Stewardson Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran School or Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund and mailed to 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. The family requests casual dress. Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson is assisting the family.

Ron was born on December 19, 1951, in Shelbyville, the son of Ervin A. and Eva Marie (Rincker) Schultz. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson. Ron graduated from 8th grade at Trinity Lutheran School and from Stewardson-Strasburg High School in the Class of 1970. Ron held many offices in the church and was a pillar of faith to his family. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Kay Arlene Kessler, on November 27, 1971. Through this union of love, they were blessed with three children. Ron was a lifetime grain and livestock farmer, retiring in 2018. He passed his love of the land and the farm on to his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the National Farmer’s Organization since 1962, holding the office as a National Board Director for the State of Illinois since 1991. He was a Burrus seed dealer since 1995, taking over the dealership after the passing of his father. Ron made many friends over the years all over the country. He enjoyed horseback riding and camping. Ron loved and adored his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He was known as Grandpa Ron or Papa Ron to them and showed nothing but honor and pride to those titles. He was the best and his family meant everything to him. He taught them all how to have determination and to always work hard. Ron and Kay were able to celebrate their 50 years of marriage in January of 2022 with family and friends. They were a wonderful example of what marriage built on faith looked like.

Ron is survived by his mother, Eva Marie (Rincker) Schultz of Stewardson; his loving wife, Kay; his children: son, Brian Ronald (Nola) Schultz of Stewardson; daughters: Katie Arlene (Jason) Durbin of Strasburg and Christy Ann (Andrew) Goble of Stewardson; five grandchildren: Austin Brian (Mikaela) Schultz, Courtney Sue (Hayden) Cole, Brinlie Elise and Brilynn Kayde Durbin and Tessa Kay Goble; six great-grandchildren: Kase Austin, Lane Brian and Raylen Ann Schultz and Jaxon Ronald, Radley Brian and Kip Hayden Cole; sister, Ruthann (Danny) Nichols; brother, Jeff (Janet) Schultz; sisters-in-law: Carolyn Kessler, Joyce (Ray) Little, Donna Bales and Kathy (Steve) Wyckoff and many nephews and nieces.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Ervin A. Schultz; father and mother-in-law, Everett and Lydia Kessler and brothers-in-law: Billy Durbin and Melvin Jones.

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