John Schultz, 87
John O. Schultz, 87, Stanton, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at Accura Healthcare, Shenandoah.
John Otto Schultz, the son of John K. and Elva (Danielson) Schultz, was born on Aug. 14, 1939, on a farm near Malmo, Neb. John attended school at Malmo, graduating in 1957. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in education in 1961 from Midlands College at Fremont, Neb., and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1970. John began his teaching career at Cedar Bluffs, Neb. where he started the band program. He also had the vocal program, taught Sophomore English and coached volleyball. On June 23, 1962, John was united in marriage to Grace Koerte of Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii at Edensburg Lutheran Church in Malmo. They lived in Fremont for one year before moving to Cedar Bluffs. In 1967, they moved to Stanton, where John became the high school and junior high vocal and the 5-12th instrumental director. For a period of years, he was the K-12th librarian. John retired after 33 years of teaching in Stanton. He continued substituting after his retirement as well as refereeing volleyball and keeping score for basketball games. Being called GRANDPA SCHULTZ in his later years while subbing at Stanton was an honor to him as he had most of their parents in school too. John was a member of the Iowa High School Band Masters Association as well as Southwest Iowa Band Masters.
He was a member of Mamrelund Lutheran and became the full-time organist in 1989, serving in that position until 2020. John served as the treasurer for the Stanton Historical Society and Tarkio Masonic lodge, along with having been chairman of the Stanton Housing commission (Halland Village) in Stanton. He was a member of the Ruth Chapter #119 Order of Eastern Star at North Bend, Neb. John played taps for many veterans’ funerals. During retirement he worked with Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home for funerals.
John was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Grace on Oct. 8, 2015.
John is survived by three children, Kathryn (Chris) Johnson of Sidney; John (Lynn) Schultz of Omaha, Neb.; and Dawn (Dave) Dramse of Papillion, Neb.; six grandchildren: Abby (Chris) Wederquist of Tabor; Brandon (Kami) Johnson of Sidney; Kylee Schultz of Omaha, Neb.; Akela, Jaden, and Samuel Dramse of Papillion, Neb.; six great-grandchildren, Tristyn Johnson, Haydin Johnson, Otto Wederquist, Raif Wederquist, Kora Wederquist and Lyta Wederquist; other relatives and friends.
May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton. Burial will be in the Mamre Cemetery, Stanton.
Visitation with the family will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. at the Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton. Memorials are suggested to Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton Fire & Rescue or Stanton Historical Society Endowment Fund.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at sldfuneralhome.com.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of John’s arrangements and serving his family.