Marcia Gail (Kirch) Schultz was born Aug. 15, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to Martin and Irene (Ost) Kirch and passed away unexpectedly and peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 1, 2026, in Seward, at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 16 days.
Marcia was born and raised in Los Angeles, where she spent her childhood before moving with her family to Seward during her teenage years. She attended Concordia High School, where her father served as Dean of Concordia College, and later graduated from Seward High School with the Class of 1961. On April 12, 1961, Marcia married the love of her life, Gerald R. Schultz, and to this union, four children were born. The family moved to Colorado and lived there many years before returning to Seward, where they made their permanent home.
Throughout her life, Marcia brought dedication to many different roles. As a young woman, she worked at Dairy Queen, babysat, and served as a Candy Striper (hospital volunteer) at Seward Hospital. Later, she worked as a nurse’s aide in a care center, held a position at a mall in Colorado, served as a Mary Kay consultant, and worked at Pamida in Seward. While she took pride in each of these roles, the title she cherished most was being a wife and stay-at-home mom.
Marcia and Gerald enjoyed spending time together, especially visiting historical sites, including the Custer Battlefield. They liked traveling to Montana to visit their daughter and her family. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she loved attending church, reading the Bible, and other inspirational Christian books. She also had a daily passion for watching Perry Mason.
She was an acrylic landscape artist and took classes to learn to paint like Bob Ross. She achieved this and even sold some of her paintings. She mostly loved to give paintings away to family and friends that admired her artistry. Marcia loved animals and enjoyed sitting on her porch to watch the birds and bunnies and squirrels and looked forward to her daily videos of her grand-ducks in Montana and visits from her great-grand-cat Lenny, who lived across the street. Over the years, she and many family members contributed to her cow obsession. She found happiness in the simple things, especially her beloved collection of cow themed keepsakes which became one of her signature passions.
Music brought her great joy. Her #1 favorite band was Def Leppard, whom she saw three times in concert. In her later years, she found a new companion in “Siri,” with whom she shared a playful love-hate relationship. She often spent time asking Siri questions and quizzing her on all kinds of topics.
Marcia will be remembered for her feisty spirit, sarcastic charm, and unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a devoted member of Great Plains Community Church in Goehner, where her faith continued to guide and inspire her throughout her life.
Marcia is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Schultz; grandchild, Jeremy Martin; great-grandchildren, Zachary Schultz and Gabriel Blanford; infant great-grandchildren, Christian Schultz, Owen Robbins and Rosealynn Eggum; son-in-law, Juan Hernandez; and sisters, Sandra Horn and Carla Kirch.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her children and their spouses, Randi Hernandez, Seward, Gayle (Rod) Richards, Seward, Jerry (Laura) Schultz, Goehner, and Rita (Tony) Pagliero, Butte, Montana; 14 grandchildren and their spouses, Marcia Hernandez, Stacie (Travis) Crow, Martin (Madison) Richards, Sarita (Bryce) Jerred, April Keith, Jason Martin, Angie Flesner, Frederic Schultz, Terra Eggum, Jeremy Ray Schultz, Justin Flesner, Antonia Pagliero, August “AJ” Pagliero, Riane Hysell; 22 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; sisters, Tonya Woodburn and Ronda (Michael) Konst.
Visitation is Thursday, July 9, from 1 – 8 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home with family present from 5 – 7 p.m. The funeral service is Friday, July 10, at Great Plains Community Church at 10 a.m. with a graveside service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Arrrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
