----Sources: WEEKLY CLARION (Dorchester, Clark Co., WI) 08/03/1928

Schultz, Gust (12 May 1856 - 28 Jul 1928)

The shadow of death again visited the Abbotsford and Dorchester regions last week and in its veil was passed on the spirit of Mr. Gust Schultz, who died at the St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, at 2:45 Saturday afternoon, following an operation for cancer. While the illness which resulted in death had been coming on for some time, it’s seriousness was not realized and his passing away at this time was a shock to his family and his friends.

Mr. Schultz was a pioneer woodsman and farmer residing for more than 46 years on the original homestead, located three miles northwest of Dorchester, Clark County, Wis. As one of the early settlers he took an active part in developing the community. The early years of his life in America were given to hewing out a farm from the dense timber which grew on the homestead and to work in the lumber camps near Dorchester and Medford. He also was employed at time as a laborer in the building of the Wisconsin Central (a part of the Soo Line) railroad. In 1905, however, he and his son took up lumbering on their own accord, operating five or six miles west of Dorchester. The farms of Otto and Paul Schultz were among the tracts of land logged during this time. Since 1910 his activities were confined to the home farm. Two years ago he rented the farm, still remaining there, however, to direct the work in part and to help during the rush season. His daughters, Martha and Gertrude, who were the only ones home at the time of renting, took up residence in Abbotsford, and have lived there since.

During the last two years Mr. Schultz spent much of his time visiting among his children in Abbotsford and Curtiss, and on their farms near Dorchester and Stetsonville. The restlessness, born of almost three quarters of a century of continuous activity, would not permit his settling down in one of these places, although he was continuously prevailed upon to do so, the homestead, upon which he had labored so diligently, apparently being more attractive than a life of ease in town. Failing health had to be reckoned with, however, and a short time ago he came to Abbotsford to live. He was taken to the hospital on July 13 and 10 days later was operated on. He survived this ordeal only five days and died at the age of 72 years, 2 months and 16 days. Death came with comparatively little suffering, considering the nature of the illness. During the latter days of his illness he was continuously attended by one or more of his children.

Gust Schultz was born at Brandenburg, Germany, May 12, 1856. He was united in marriage to Mathilda Kupke in 1881 and the same year they immigrated to America where they landed on Christmas Day. Fourteen children came to bless this union, seven sons and seven daughters, two sons dying in infancy. His wife preceded him in death in 1923.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock from the residence with Rev. J. Weubben officiating and A. J. Meyers conducting the services. Interment was made at the Pine Hill Cemetery. The pallbearers were Frank Pueschner, Joe Pueschner, W. Sebold and Herman Fisse of Dorchester, and Anton Krohn and G. Oelke of Abbotsford, all old neighbors. He leaves to mourn his loss William, Otto, Paul , Mrs. John Meschefske, Mrs. Franklin Tonn, Mrs. Niron Virch, Martha, Bertha, Frank, Hattie and Gertrude, twenty-six grandchildren, and one sister and two brothers in Germany.