Michael Lee Schultz Sr., 78, Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Alvin C. York Veterans Home after a courageous battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. Michael was a resident at the Alvin C. York Veterans Home, Murfreesboro, for the past three years. He was born January 23, 1947, the son of Marvin and Gloria Schultz, Neshkoro, WI. He was a 1965 graduate of Berlin High School and entered the US Army in 1966 where he served until, he retired from active duty on Feb. 24, 1995, as Command Sergeant Major 2/17 th Air CAV Ft Campbell Ky. He married Gail Moana Rafael May 2, 1970, she preceded Michael in death in March 29, 2013. He married Sandra Bowman on May 1, 2015, she survives.
Michael was proud to serve his country in the US Army. A Vietnam Veteran his service included several tenant commands of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY as well as 2 overseas assignments to West Germany and we are thankful for the many that continued to keep in contact with Michael. During his service he received the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal W/BS, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (5), Army Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Master Aircraft Crewman Badge, Overseas Service Bar (2), Air Medal (9), Air Assault Badge, Vietnam Service Medal w/3CS, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Legion of Merit. His military education included: First Sergeant CRS, Company Commander, First Sergeant CRS, and Sergeant Major Academy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his mother, Gloria Schultz, Wautoma, WI; his son Michael and Stephanie (Ellis) Schultz, San Diego, CA; daughter Michaelle and Will Bishop, Clarksville, TN; daughter Cami and Tyler Florence, Mukwonago, WI; Sandra’s son Anthony and daughter-in-law, Ronnie; sisters Mary and Dave Kunasch, Wautoma, WI, and Jean Springsteen, Oshkosh, WI; in laws Judy and Larry Greenway and Ken and Renee Bowman; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gail M. (Rafael) Schultz; father, Marvin Schultz; grandparents, Otto and Mabel Wedde, August and Lucinda Schultz; brother-in-law – Michael Zodrow; Aunts & Uncles – Adela and Lawrence Arveson, Clarence and Gertrude Wedde; cousins Sharon Mae Arveson Bartel, Roland Arveson, and Dennis Wedde; and second cousin Wayne Neuman.
Visitation was held in Clarksville, TN on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4-7 p.m. Burial will be on Friday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Cemetery in Clarksville, TN.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 301 E. Mt. Morris Ave., Wautoma, on Saturday, Nov. 15 with a visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Bryan Schmidt. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall.
All memorials will be donated to the Waushara County Food Pantry and Guitars for Veterans.
