Stephen J. Schultz

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA

   Stephen J. Schultz, 76, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with his loving wife by his side after a long and courageous battle with melanoma.

   Born on December 30, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, Steve was the son of Eldon and Inez (Vaske) Schultz. He grew up on the family farm in Worthington, IA. Steve graduated from Wahlert High School and later earned his bachelors degree from Loras College in 1989. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Sally J. Burger, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington. 

   Steve dedicated 39 years of his career to John Deere, starting on the factory line and eventually became a Division Manager in Equipment Remarketing Services before his well-earned retirement. He found great joy in working on classic cars and took pride in restoring them. He also cherished time spent hunting with friends in the Worthington area. 

   Steve is survived by Sally, his wife of 54 years; his children, Kathryn (Mark) Riebe of Columbia, MO, Christine (Jan) Finkler of Tholey, Germany, and Sarah Schultz of Waukee, IA; and his beloved grandchildren, Spencer, Mason, Lucinda, and Gage Riebe, and Lena Finkler. He is also survived by his siblings, Martin Schultz and Anna (Loras) Decker; in-laws Sue Burger, Bill (Lois) Burger, Joe (Molly) Burger, Rob (Angie) Burger. 

   Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Carol Schaffer and Catherine Schultz; his in-laws, Bob and Cindy Burger, and brother-in-law, Michael Burger.

    A visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Kramer Funeral Home, with burial in St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington. Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

    The family would like to thank Unity Point Hospice and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Iowa, especially Dr. Milhem and staff, for their dedication and compassionate care. 

    Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. For more information, please visit www.kramer-morrisfuneralhomes.com.