Eugene P. Schulz

Eugene Pearl Schulz passed away in his sleep on Thursday, September 1, 2011, in Kalona, Iowa. The third of nine children, he was born in La Junta, Colorado, on May 11, 1919, to Henry Carl and Elise Johanna (Roeder) Schulz.

“Gene” to his wife and friends, Eugene's early childhood was tempered by the depression era. He learned to work hard early, caring for his younger siblings until he went to work as a hired hand at eleven. Aided initially by the local Mennonite church, he went on to attain degrees from Hesston College, Hesston, KS, and Goshen College, Goshen, IN, as well as a graduate degree in education from the University of Oregon.

Eugene married Marie Erna Fisher in 1949 in Dallas, OR. The two began their life together in La Junta, CO, where Eugene was employed by the Mennonite Hospital. Their marriage was blessed by three children: Melvin Eugene, Elaine Marie and Robert Carl.

In 1965 the family moved to La Veta, CO, where Eugene taught school and became Pastor of the newly organized Walsenburg Mennonite Church. The family moved to Walsenburg in 1968, where he continued to teach until his retirement, after which he remained active in community literacy programs and in the church.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Erna, brothers John and Carl, sister Lucille and infant siblings Donald and Vivian.

He is survived by his brothers, Dean (Lisa) Schulz of Canyon City, CO; Vernon Schulz of La Junta, CO; and Albert (Leona) Schulz of Hollister, CA; children Melvin (Jan) Schulz of Parnell, IA; Elaine McDonald of Rawlins, WY; and Robert Schulz of Walsenburg, CO; grandchildren Aaron Schulz, Sara (Cody) Carpenter, Jana (Tim) Hawkins, Joshua McDonald, Jacob McDonald, Megan (Lenny) Sheets and Leah McDonald; eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad, you were looking forward to watching the harvest!! You may have missed the one down here but you made it there!!

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Mennonite Church with Pastor Jeremy Yoder officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial fund has been established in Eugene’s name for Mennonite Central Committee. (A committee that reaches out with aide to Third World Countries.)