William G. Schultz

William “Bill” G. Schultz, age 86, formerly of Ripon, WI, was called home by the Lord after a long battle with cancer on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Ripon Community Hospital.

Bill was born on August 28, 1939, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, WI, the son of William G. and Mary E. Schultz. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1958, and went on to serve our country in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic. He also served in the Wisconsin National Guard 32nd Division and received Honorable discharges from both after serving a total of five and one-half years. He was in the Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts, and Explorer Scouts, and was chosen for the prestigious Order of The Arrow. Bill was indentured into the plumbing trade through his father who owned Schultz Plumbing & Heating in Princeton, WI. Bill married Roxanne Miller of Ripon on September 28, 1963, at St. Patrick's Church in Ripon. He became a Journeyman plumber in 1964 and a Master plumber in 1970. He was employed and later became owner of Eckstein Plumbing & Heating in Ripon after 25 years. Bill later decided to open his own business, Schultz Plumbing & Heating in Ripon. He was a 3rd degree honorary member of the Knights of Columbus for several years and was active in Ripon Early Bird Kiwanis. Bill donated his time and skills to the Barlow Park Shelter, and the Engels Field shower addition. He was well known for his honesty, personality, and quality work.

Bill is preceded in death by the love of his life, Roxanne A. (Miller) Schultz; brothers, Glen Schultz, Richard W. Schultz; and sisters, Mary L. Barnekow and Margaret Tetzlaff. He is survived by daughters, Kathryn (Chris) Shaw, Jacqueline (Mark) Wesner, Wendy Schultz, and Kerry Schultz; grandchildren, Aaron Shaw, Carley (Robert) Lewis, and Garret Wesner; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Schultz; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill grew up in Princeton and loved the outdoors. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed deer and waterfowl hunting, fishing, and was an avid birdwatcher. He was a co-founder of the Ripon Archers and played a large part in developing the Ripon Archers indoor range and the outdoor NFAA Field Course. Bill loved playing baseball and softball and played in the Ripon Softball leagues for many years. He was an avid cross-country skier, cyclist, and enjoyed golf, bowling, pitching horseshoes, and was a member of the EAA Warbirds of America.

Visitation for Bill will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 228 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971. 

Memorial Mass for Bill will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 9 2026 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon, with Fr. Chuck Wrobel officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Town of Ripon, next to Roxanne, with a final salute and full military honors. A memorial is being established in his name.