Willard Otto Schultz age 81 of Hudson died peacefully Saturday November 5, 2011 at The Gables of Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. Willard was born on August 29, 1930 in Stillwater, Minnesota; the son of Otto and Viola (Moritz) Schultz. He was raised in River Falls where he attended elementary school prior to graduating from River Falls High School in the class of ’48. He would further his education at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in business management. On December 20, 1954, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ronningen in River Falls. In 1947, he enlisted in the Armed Forces and proudly served in the United States Army prior to his honorable discharge in 1968. Willard worked in the insurance industry for several years. He specialized in litigation for such companies as MSI in Arden Hills and Horace Mann in Bloomington, MN.

Willard was a devout Christian since 1972. He was a proud Gideon who loved the opportunity for others to be introduced to their Savior Jesus Christ. He enjoyed volunteering and enjoyed serving with Transport For Christ; a ministry for over the road truck drivers.

Willard is survived by his wife of 55 years Barbara, children Bob (Jean) Schultz of Steven’s Point, Tom (Carol) Schultz of Prior Lake, MN, Mary Martin of Hudson, Peter (Holly) Schultz of Hudson, Laura (Craig) Blichfeldt of Coon Rapids, MN, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Jack Martin, and granddaughter Sara Guinn.

Funeral service for Willard Schultz will be 11AM Wednesday November 16th at Faith Community Church; 777 Carmichael Road in Hudson. Burial with full military honors will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5 until 7PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson. Memorials preferred to The Gideons.