Obit: Schultz, William Joseph “Beaver” (1938 - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schultz, Honel, Dams, Premschak, Arndt, Mesner, Morgan, Bristow, Radzik

----Source: Buswell Funeral Home (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 11/15/2021

Schultz, William Joseph “Beaver” (29 December 1938 – 11 November 2021)

William Joseph “Beaver” Schultz of Hatfield, (formerly of Tomah) passed away on Thursday, November 11th at the age of 82.

Born in Tomah on December 29, 1938, to William and Marie Schultz, Beaver went on to graduate from Tomah Senior High as a member of the class of 1957.

On May 29, 1959, he wed the love of his life Mary E. Dams in a ceremony in Waukon, IA. In the years to follow, the two made their home and raised their family near Mary’s family farm in Tomah. Beaver went on to work at 7-Up and later with Milwaukee Road before finally taking a job at the Tomah V.A. Hospital, where he worked until his retirement.

After his wife and kids, fishing was Beaver’s favorite passion. Chances are, if you knew Beaver, you’ve spent an hour or two in a boat with him, drinking a cold one and waiting to catch the next big fish. In his younger days, Beaver was a “renowned” pitcher for the Buckhorn Bar softball team and spent many summer nights on the ball field. He also enjoyed time spent at Wakoda Bowmen club and throwing bar league horseshoes.

In 1996, Beaver retired from his career at the V.A. and he and Mary moved from Tomah to their cabin on Lake Arbutus in Hatfield. Fishing with grandkids and friends, winter visits to the Gulf Coast, woodworking, and his early morning coffee clutch were among the many things Beaver enjoyed most about his retirement in Hatfield. He was known for his fish fries, campfires, and was always the first to suggest a beanbag tournament (for a George) whenever hosting friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary. Beaver is further survived by his son Scott (Shelly) Schultz of Warrens; daughter Lynne (Phil) Premschak of West Bend; daughter Nonnie (Jerry) Arndt of Chili; daughter-in-law Vicki Schultz of Gilbert, AZ and sister Donna Mesner of Tomah.

Grandpa Beaver (Putz) leaves behind eight grandchildren; Rusty Schultz of Madison; Chelsea (Greg) Morgan of Fort Worth, TX; Amber (Dan) Bristow of Warrens; Ali Schultz (Jimmy Radzik) of Phoenix, AZ; Logan Arndt of Marshfield; Austin Premschak of West Bend; Ethan Arndt of Chili; Katie Premschak of West Bend; and two great-grandchildren: Lucy Morgan and Porter Bristow.

Beaver was preceded in death by his parents: William A. and Marie B. Schultz (Honel); his father and mother in-law Edward and Verna Dams; and his youngest son, Chris.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23rd at Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Funeral service will be held at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. with a private burial to follow.

The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences are available at www.buswellfh.com. 

“And if the fish no longer bite
Or seem no longer worth the fight,
‘Cause it’s me that you are a missin’,
Don’t worry-be happy-I’ve gone fishin’.”
- David Ritter