William F. Schultz was born on Jan. 16, 1899 on the home farm in Spring Lake Wisconsin. He was baptized Fredrick William, but there was a grandfather by that name also. So he was know as "Willie" to help avoid confusion. His early years were spent at home helping out on the farm. He was only able to finish school through the 4th grade because of need for his help at home. He had three brothers, August, Edward and Emil. When he got older he worked for a farm in Markesan Wisconsin. When he moved back home he met and married Dora Hardel. They had two children together. A daughter Arlene Schultz Nickolai and a son Russell Schultz. He was employed at the granite quarries in Redgranite Wisconsin, where he operated a large rock crusher. In later years he suffered from the "crusher dust" still embedded in his lungs. Then came the Great Depression when no work was available anywhere. Bill--as he was known to all--worked day work for the farmers in the community for the sum of $1.00 per day. In 1940 he was overjoyed to get a job at Berlin Chapman Company in Berlin Wisconsin where he operated a large boring machine that had to grind condensers down to a 1000th of an inch. He was a brilliant man in spite of his lack of formal education and he could do math mentally as fast as most computers can do it today. He was over 75 before he was able to retire because the Company didn't want him to retire. He and one other man were the only two who knew how to operate this huge machine. After his retirement he spent much time working in the garden which he loved. Another hobby was raising chickens that he regarded as pets. He also had a loyal dog named "Pepper". He also had an apple orchard. Bill was a generous man and much of his produce was given away to those in need. He was willing to help anyone. Bill was a kind and caring person. His big hands could be so gentle as he could dress a wound for his children. Things always seemed to heal faster when dad "fixed it". He also worked as a carpenter building houses. He was a man of many talents and I've often wondered how his life would have different if he had been able to get a college education. He was loved by all who knew him and especially by his wife, children and grandchildren. We'll always remember you, Dad & "Papac". Our love and memories of you will live in our hearts forever. They will never die.

*Written by his daughter:
Arlene Schultz Nickolai on 7/24/05

Cause of Death: Heart Failure