Merle Lee Schulz was born Oct. 18, 1934, on a farm near Pleasant Dale, to Henry and Lora (Lindner) Schulz and passed away June 26, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family in Seward at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 8 days.
He was baptized Nov. 4, 1934, at Zion Lutheran Church. Merle grew up in the Garland area. He attended school at Zion Lutheran School through the eighth grade and was confirmed on March 21, 1948. Merle graduated on May 19, 1952, from Garland High School. Merle served in the Army National Guard from 1952-1961.
On May 26, 1957, Merle was united in marriage to Carole Davis at Zion Lutheran Church and to this union, four children were born. Merle held several jobs, including a construction job putting in a runway at the Lincoln airport, Burlington Railroad, Seward Co-op and he also farmed for a few years before owning Garland Propane. Merle loved gardening. He and Carole enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and also Canada, Mexico and Ireland. He was a long-time member of the Garland American Legion Post #369. Merle is a retired member of the Garland Fire Department. He served as a 4-H leader for 10 years. Merle was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served on numerous boards.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Clarence and Pauline Davis; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Duerr and Norman Richters; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and wife, Bev King.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Carole Schulz, Seward; children, Niki and husband, Bernie Nelson, Seward, Julie and husband, Doug Mohnike, Seward, Laurie Baack and companion, Jim Hlavac, Seward, Dave and wife, Susan Schulz, Garland; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters, Wilma Richters, York and Darleen Duerr, Ponca City, Oklahoma; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leland and Ruth Davis; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
The funeral service was June 30 at Zion Lutheran Church in Garland with interment at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors were provided by Garland American Legion Post #369. Memorial contributions are suggested to may be made to to Zion Lutheran Church or Garland American Legion Post #369. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
