Helen Joyce Schultz

January 20, 2021 & January 26, 2021

After 72 years of happy marriage, Donald Herman Schultz, 91, and Helen Joyce Schultz, 92, passed away within days of each other in Lincoln, NE. Don was born on a farm to Alfred and Anna Schultz near Ricketts, IA. Helen was born to Ward and Mabel Sterrett of Denison, IA.

Don was raised speaking German and learned English in school. He spent his youth milking cows, delivering milk in a horse drawn wagon and impressing friends as a soda jerk in the family general store.

An only child, Helen loved to shadow her father around the farm, especially to the machine shed. Nicknamed “the kid,” she preferred to work on horsepower instead of horses. She developed a lifelong passion for snazzy cars with clean lines, large engines and lots of chrome. She studied piano from a young age, becoming a skilled accompanist and sought-after vocalist.

The pair were high school sweethearts and attended college for two years before being wed in March,1949. Helen earned her teaching certificate at Drake University and Don was at University of Iowa.

Helen then taught grade school in Sioux City, IA and Don worked as a bank officer until he joined the Air Force in 1951. As a staffing specialist during the Korean War, Don was stationed in San Antonio, TX and later at Honolulu, HI. Her mother and grandmother drove an excited Helen to California to see her off and ship their car to Hawaii.

After serving, Don finished his degree in Accounting and Helen graduated with a degree in Home Economics, both from the University of Iowa.

Don and Helen settled in Omaha, NE and doubled their family with two children, Mark and Rebecca. Don worked for an accounting firm managing farms and mining operations in Wyoming. Helen kept the home fires burning and the children out of mischief.

The family moved to Lincoln in 1979 when Don purchased Lincoln Industrial Supply Company. The best part of his job was daily lunch with his colleagues at Misty’s while his children manned the counter.

In retirement, Don became an expert wood-turner, spent Sundays at auctions bidding against friends and evenings solving world issues around the dinner table. An open garage door was an invitation to stop for conversation, Oreos, a G&T or treats for four-legged friends. Don never let you pay for dinner as he was a quick draw with his wallet.

Helen was a marvelous cook, a brilliant seamstress, and enjoyed traveling with her family. She was the quintessential loving daughter, wife and mother. Helen was active in community organizations, including Omaha Area Mother Singers, Nebraska Children’s Home Mother’s Club, Lincoln Symphony Guild, Knots Club and Heritage League of Lincoln.

They are survived by two loved children, Mark (Sally) and Rebecca (Lonnie) and four grandchildren, Emma, Channing, Lewis and Abbie. The grandchildren spent many happy hours being spoiled with their grandparent’s love and attention.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials to Nebraska Children's Home Society in their honor. Online condolences can be sent to lincolnfh.com