Lester Lee Schulz made the journey from this world to paradise on Monday, October 6. Les was born in Stromburg , Nebraska August 19, 1947 to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Schulz. As a high school senior, Les was a third generation valedictorian and received the Edsel Wibbels Award for achievement. Les was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 in the Northern I- Corps. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant, worked in intelligence, and received the Vietnamese bronze star with the cross of gallantry, and the Navy Achievement Medal. Upon returning from Vietnam, Les finished his degree in architecture at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Les’ architecture career took him all over the country as well as having his own firm in Lincoln. He moved to Springfield in 1992 and worked with Bates and Associates, taught architecture at Drury College, and worked towards his master’s degree at MSU. His interests were numerous, including art- being a gifted artist, photography, history, trains-building an extensive model train layout, model ships, and gourmet cooking. Les was a member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, where he served on the Evangelism Committee and was a devoted member of the Little Bacon Class.
He is survived by the love of his life, Susy, his daughter Jill- his pride and joy- of Loveland, Colorado, three grandchildren Logan, Morgan, and Coltin of Loveland, his mother Phyllis Kniss of Springfield, two brothers; Marlin Schulz ( Kathleen ) of Pilager, Minnesota and Ron Schulz ( Suzanne ) of Ozark, his beloved step-daughter Teri Gentry Humphries of Greeley, Colorado, his aunts; LaVona Barnhart and Sharon Nichols of Sun City, Arizona, his uncle, Glen Kilgore of Rising City, Nebraska, his cousins; Diane Hill and Robert Kilgore of Leon, Iowa, Mark Kilgore of Dubuque, Iowa, Connie Krieser and Robert Krieser of Garland, Nebraska, Russell Krieser , Sharon Tucci, and David Kilgore of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Pat Kilgore of Tucson, Arizona, nieces; Jennifer Schulz and Kelly Schulz of Springfield, nephews; Dean Schulz of Chapman, Kansas and Jamie Schulz of Crestview, Florida, seven great nieces and nephews, and many friends including his longtime friend Larry Nelson of Springfield. He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Schulz, his uncle, Ward Kilgore and his aunt, Viola Schulz.
Les was admired for his character, his Christian faith, and his determination in whatever endeavor he undertook. This was most evident in his battle with cancer, in which he was truly a witness to God’s abiding love and grace. Les loved his family, his God, and his country. He embraced life. His sense of humor, with his smile and laughter, will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be Monday, October 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Greenlawn Funeral Home South, 441 W. Battlefield. A military burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. in Maple Park Cemetery, followed by a 2:00 p.m. service in First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, Dr. Andrew Chaney officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Les wanted donations made to First and Calvary where the contributions can help fund programs for veterans.