Deacon Edward Jule Shultz passed away on Oct. 24. He peacefully entered eternal rest wearing his brown scapular, holding fast to Our Lady's promise.
A devoted husband of 52 years, loving father to three sons, and cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren, Deacon Shultz dedicated his life to his most sacred calling – guiding his family on the path to heaven.
Born and raised in Griffith, Deacon Shultz answered his country's call with courage and honor, serving as a Vietnam veteran who remained forever proud of his military service. Following his time in the military, he built a distinguished 40-year career as a professional engineer with Franciscan Health, where his dedication and expertise touched countless lives.
His spiritual life was the cornerstone of his existence. As a deacon at St. John the Evangelist and a devoted brother in the Secular Franciscan Fraternity, he lived the Gospel daily through humble service and compassionate ministry.
Deacon Phil Coduti said that during Deacon Ed Shultz’s time with the fraternity, he always shared his kindness, love of Christ, and keen, faithful insights with his fraternal brothers and sisters. He was an active participant of the fraternity, attending meetings, assisting with formation, and most recently serving as a member of the Fraternity Council.
“Ed was a kind and joyful source of light for the fraternity; his example and love shared with the fraternity will continue to have a positive influence on the ongoing ministry of Saint Mary of the Angels OFS and all those that we interact with,” Deacon Coduti said.
Deacon Jim McFarland met Deacon Shultz when he joined SJE for daily mass. He recalls Deacon Shultz delivering daily homilies that provided insights into the Gospel of the day, encouraging others to use those insights in their daily lives, helping them understand their life in Christ.
“His compassion and kindness will never be forgotten,” said Deacon McFarland. “He always spoke of goodness in others. His capacity to always see the best in others was a great blessing.”
When in lay ministry and formation, Deacon Shultz was a source of inspiration, guiding McFarland to understand his approach, which was pastoral. He taught him to meet people where they are and help them to understand how to deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Deacon McFarland added that those who knew Deacon Shultz will remember his smile and his pastoral approach.
“Ed was a kind and gentle man who loved Christ,” he said. “This was natural to him and was always a shining example to others. Especially in his suffering, not once did I hear him complain; always just ‘How are you doing?’ It was never about him, but always about others.”
During a recent homily, Father Sammie Maletta, pastor of SJE, shared with the congregation that he also never heard Deacon Shultz complain. Despite battling health problems in his retirement, Deacon Shultz never asked, “Why me?”
“Every time I saw him, he would tell me, ‘I’m ready.’ ‘I’m open.’ ‘I know God’s with me.’ ‘I trust in the Lord, but I hope I have enough strength that I can get back and serve at the altar,’” Father Maletta shared.
About three months ago, at a daily Mass, Deacon Shultz was at the parish with his wife. He had his oxygen with him, but it wasn't on him. Father Maletta went down to distribute Holy Communion, walked over to him, and asked if he wanted to help distribute Communion.
“He was just glowing because he got to serve again,” Father Maletta said.
Father Maletta continued, stating that the deacon was ready for when he was called to heaven because “he believed that God loved him, God’s mercy was there for him, and God’s grace would see him through.”
Deacon Shultz is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his three sons, Michael (Tamara), Jeremy, and Aaron (Lindsey); seven adoring grandchildren; and three siblings: his sister, Peggy (Ed) Behn; his sister, Sr. Aline Shultz, O.S.F. (Pamela), his brother, Mark Shultz; and several great nieces and nephews. His family takes comfort knowing he fulfilled his earthly mission with extraordinary devotion and love.
Visitation will take place at St. John the Evangelist Church (10701 Olcott Ave. St. John) on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 3-8 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Services, Thursday, Oct. 30 where Deacon Shultz will lie in state from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with Rev. Michael Place officiating. Interment St. John the Evangelist Church Cemetery.
