John Reuben Schultz

John Reuben Schultz, 74, of Hammond WI passed away on July 24, 2023, in River Falls, WI surrounded by his loving family.

John was born in Stillwater, MN, the 5 ^th of 9 children to Reuben and Margaret Schultz. John was raised in Lake Elmo, MN until the family made the move to their farm in Roberts, WI. John enjoyed farm life and country living, he was always ready to help out neighbors, preferably driving tractor not so much milking.

During John’s years through school he enjoyed being active in sports and gathering with friends. After graduating from St. Croix Central School District, John was able to attend UWRF for a short time before being drafted into the U.S. Army.  While in the Army John was stationed in Germany.  He enjoyed sharing his experience in the Army with his grandkids who were always interested in grandpa’s stories. When his tour of duty finished, John returned to the Roberts, WI area and started his career with Bergstrom’s Tire, which later changed names to River Falls Tire Co., in River Falls, WI.  John was the farm tire service man, traveling to farms throughout the area, helping farmers and growing and establishing lifelong friendships.

In 1978 John married the love of his life Diane (Hawkins) in Hammond, WI. Together, John and Diane raised two children, their son Nathan and daughter Sara.

Through the years John never left the career he loved with River Falls Tire Co. and after many years of dedication he became part owner which he was extremely proud of.
John was the jolly guy behind the counter, known to family and friends as “Bucko” or “Big John” and was always happy to help new or existing customers that walked through the door or called to troubleshoot their needs.  Going above and beyond for anyone was just his genuine nature, from patching that wagon tire quick at no charge getting you back on the road to swapping his personal vehicle so no one was bothered with the task or having to take time from their day to drive their vehicle to the shop. While at work and just in life, you could catch him with a smile on his face and helping or having a laugh with someone.  It was a natural reflex showing the true size of his heart.  Unfortunately, after years in the shop and behind the counter, John’s health issues caused him to retire earlier than he wished. Often after his sudden retirement you could hear him eager to help anyone seeking advice or help with finding tires or other areas of his expertise and would typically include a good laugh or reminiscing about the good ol’ days too. He truly missed going to the shop everyday, seeing all of his people, filling his days with banter, and helping whoever he could in any way he could.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diane; daughter Sara Schultz; grandchildren Savanna, Kylie, Wes, Owen and Bryce; furry grandkids Clay and Bucko; siblings Richard (Lillian) Schultz, Diane (John) Washburn, Betty (Ron Boenish) Schultz, Mary Schultz, Bill (Margo) Schultz, Joe (Cindy) Schultz; brother-in-law Joe (Maureen) Hawkins; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by son Nathan Schultz; parents Reuben and Margaret Schultz; siblings Molly Schultz and Roger Schultz; in-laws Joseph and Marjorie Hawkins; Patricia and Doug Hughes; Linda Sharretts and Karen Lizakowski.

A special thank you goes to the staff at the River Falls Area Hospital swing bed unit for keeping John comfortable while in their care.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for John Schultz will be held on Sunday, July 30 ^th , 2023 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street Baldwin, WI 54002.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Hammond – WI Lions Pull/Park Area.  Donations can be sent via Paypal to the Hammond Lions Foundation or mailed to Hammond Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 403 Hammond, WI 54015.

Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.