Richard Schultz, age 74, of Prior Lake, MN, passed peacefully Monday, May 16, 2022, after a 47-day
battle with stomach cancer.
All services for Rich will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Avenue,
Prior Lake. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, from 4-7 pm, and on Friday, May 20, from
10-10:45 am, with a Christian Funeral, at 11 am. Guests may also join via livestreaming by visiting
immanuel-fishlake.org. Rich will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Revered Dr. Brent L
Parrish will preside. His pallbearers will be Art Zaudtke, Kenny Kohout, Herb Kohout, Larry Miller,
Mike “Sparky” Hennen, and Doug Jasmer.
The simple life of Richard Herman Schultz began on January 9, 1948, in Minneapolis, MN. He was
the first of two sons to Everett and Dorothy (Miller). Rich and his younger brother, Steve, grew up on
the farm, learning the values of hard work, dedication to family and having a strong faith in God. He
was proud of his farming heritage and was involved in FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4H, with
showing cattle at the county and state fairs.
After graduating from Jordan High School in 1966, Rich proudly served in the United States Army
Reserves for several years. He eventually began a 40 plus year career working for Green Giant (now
Silgan), in the plant manufacturing cans. Rich retired in June of 2010.
On November 16, 1974, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rich married the love of his life, Jeannette
“Jan” Ann Kes. They spent the next 47 years raising their children, Deanna, Stacey, Kristin, and Dan
and making wonderful memories, on the farm in Prior Lake. As the family grew up, they enjoyed the
annual summer vacations up north with relatives, and other places. Later, Rich and his family relished
an Alaskan cruise celebrating his retirement and a Christmas vacation to Mexico. He and Jan also
enjoyed taking bus tours all over the United States, this way both could see the scenery and relax.
As a boy, Rich formed a lifelong passion for fishing, which he passed down to his children. Rich loved
all seasons, especially ice fishing. His favorite lakes to fish were Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake.
Rich enjoyed deep sea fishing and salmon fishing. Rich also liked bird and deer hunting with family
and friends.
Rich enjoyed the simple things in life. The 3-hour bank run, driving around looking at the fields and
lakes, stopping for a cup of coffee at Lydia Prime Time with his buddies and swinging through the
Fish Lake church and cemetery making sure everything was okay. Rich enjoyed playing cards with
friends, vegetable gardening and sitting on his bench in the backyard enjoying nature and drinking a
cold beer.
Through the years, Rich stayed true to his youth values. He remained dedicated to working hard and
staying connected to the farm raising cattle and tending to the chores on his Oliver tractors. Rich was
a loving and supportive husband. He was proud of his children and remained active in their lives, as
youths and as adults. One of the greatest gifts was becoming a grandpa. Rich adored his
grandchildren and loved their unique personalities. In his eyes, they could do no wrong. And finally
having a strong faith in God. Rich dedicated his life to Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was always
involved with special roles as an elder, trustee, and treasurer.
A gentle giant, Rich was humble, loving, caring, quiet, patient, and kind. He loved being around
people and making them laugh. Left remembering him forever in their hearts, Rich will be missed by
wife, Jan; children, Deanna (Scott Hafermann) Vochoska, Stacey (Mark Stang) Schultz, Kristin
Schultz, Dan (Kristin Lamusga) Schultz; grandchildren, Addey Vochoska, Karley Vochoska, Maren
Lamusga, Nora Lamsuga; brother, Steve (Pat) Schultz; other relatives and friends. Greeting him
home in Heaven are his parents.
Share a message with Richard’s family at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
