Eugene G. Schultz

In loving memory of Eugene G. Schultz | January 8, 1929 – January 19, 2023

Eugene “Gene” Schultz of Longmont, Colorado entered into eternal life on January 19, 2023, while under TRU Community Hospice Care at the Katherine & Charles Hover Green Houses, shortly after his 94th birthday. Gene, known as “Bud” to his family, was the fourth child of a Catholic, Polish farm family of 11 boys and one girl. He was born at home on the family farm and grew up near the small rural town of Wells, Minnesota. Gene was humble, grateful, and as a child of the Great Depression, he was never wasteful. Genuinely kind and good-hearted, he had a great sense of humor, he never complained, and was very hardworking. Gene was a devout Roman Catholic and loved to say the Holy Rosary, receive Holy Communion and go to Mass whenever possible.

Following in the footsteps of their father, Gregor Schultz, who served in WWI, Gene and all of his brothers served in the military and returned home safely. In 1952, Gene volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. Deployed in Korea for two years, he monitored radar for artillery offensives. The Denver Post told the brothers’ story in a Veterans Day 2015 feature article: https://www.denverpost.com/2015/11/10/veterans-day-all-10-sons-in-the-schultz-family-followed-a-tradition-of-service/ . Gene participated in the Colorado Honor Flight for Veterans in May 2019. He traveled to Washington D.C. with his son Ken, where they visited war memorials and connected with many other veterans.

When Gene returned home from Korea in 1954, he used his G.I. education benefits to get certified in automotive technology. When he returned to Wells, he met Bonita McCarrick, his wife of 63 years. They married on June 10, 1959 at Our Lady of Carmel Catholic Church in Bonita’s home town of Easton, Minnesota.

After about a year, they moved to Longmont, Colorado. Gene worked as a carpenter and later worked in commercial construction. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and was in his early 70’s when he retired. Gene built the family home in Longmont in 1961 (where he and Bonita lived for 60 years) with the help of his brothers and friends. Gene was a resourceful and gifted carpenter and could fix just about anything -- electrical, plumbing, cars -- you name it. He loved to tinker in his garage and watch the squirrels in his yard. Even during his busy construction career, Gene found time to volunteer in the community and was always there to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. He helped build several Habitat for Humanity homes in Longmont, served on the Building Committee for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church’s renovations, and helped maintain two Girl Scout camps: Kiowa Corral in Lyons and Meadow Mountain Girl Scout Camp in Estes Park. After his children moved into their own homes, he was always willing to help them with home improvement projects. He and Bonita also enjoyed volunteering for the Longmont Chapter of Mended Hearts after his heart surgery in 1989.

Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years Bonita (McCarrick) Schultz and his children Margo Colalancia (Marco), Ken Schultz (Emily), Patti (Stephen) Tadaki, and Joann McCoy (Patrick). He delighted in his grandchildren: Katie Lopez (Esteban), Anna Toles (Paeton), Talia Colalancia (Jared Dempewolf), Kayla and Grace Tadaki, and his great-granddaughter Esther Toles. He is also survived by his sister Victoria Sonnek, his brother Donald Schultz (Laura); his sisters-in-law (Ardean, Marilyn, Corrine, Dianne, and Frances Schultz); in-laws Mary Temple (Fred), Dick McCarrick (Barb), Earl McCarrick (Diane); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Gregor and Anna, his brothers, and some of their spouses: Felix (Jane), Donald Sonnek, Leo, Alfred, Robert, Leroy (Marjorie), Roger, Quentin, Vern, and David (Sharon), and his niece, Kelli Peterson.

Updated 1.27.2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for immediate family. A celebration of Gene's life will be held for extended family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church’s Pew Renovation Fund (323 Collyer Street, Longmont, CO 80501), in memory of Eugene Schultz.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Schultz family.