Gerald LeRoy Schultz

GERALD LEROY “GIGGS” SCHULTZ August 17, 1927 – December 3, 2015         Gerald LeRoy “Giggs” Schultz, age 88, of Park Rapids, MN, went to his heavenly home unexpectedly on Thursday, December 3, 2015 while resting peacefully in his recliner at home with his wife at his side.       Giggs was born on August 17, 1927 to William and Lily (Hendrickson) Schultz.   He was baptized on November 13, 1930 and was confirmed on April 27, 1941 at the Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay, MN. He attended public school in Rothsay where he was a standout basketball and baseball player. He graduated from High School with the Class of 1945. As a young man, Giggs worked the potato fields of the Red River Valley earning extra money during his teenage years. In January of 1951, he joined the United States Air Force where he served as a Korean War era medic. He was stationed for three years at the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska where he also served as a ski instructor. Giggs received his honorable discharge in December of 1953. He was united in marriage to Rose Mitchell on August 24, 1952. They moved to Montana in 1953 where he began a 36 year career working as a heavy equipment operating engineer and his first project was building the Glascow, MT Airport. In 1958, he and Rose purchased a farm north of Park Rapids in Clover Township where they have resided ever since. He and Rose were blessed with two adopted children: Pamela and David. Giggs was a long time member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George. He was also a member of the Local 49ers Operating Engineers and operated heavy equipment in the Twin Cities area until his retirement in 1989. He loved the outdoors where he enjoyed ice fishing, deer hunting, snowmobiling, gardening, watching the wildlife that graced his property and storytelling. He was a very competitive cribbage player. During the 1970’s Giggs operated the Itasca Snowmobile Raceway where professional snowmobile racers from all over the country came to compete on his popular oval track.       He will be lovingly remembered by his precious wife for these past 63 years, Rose; his daughter, Pam and son-in-law, Craig Cheney of Madison, WI; son, David Schultz of Bloomington, MN; 6 dearly loved grandchildren: Jessica, Tasha, Jacob, Tessa, William and Sarah; two great grandchildren: Avery and Cooper; one brother, Donald Schultz of Fergus Falls, MN and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.       He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Verlyn, Glen and Lester.       Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, December 7, 2015 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George with the Rev. Donald Kirchner officiating. The casketbearers will be: Bill Devine, Gary Wilkinson, Greg Thymian, Bryan Thymian, Randy Thymian and Bruce Schultz. The honorary casket bearers will be his grandchildren: Jessica Cheney, Tasha Cheney, Jacob Cheney, Tessa Cheney, William Schultz and Sarah Schultz. Interment will be in the Arago Cemetery north of Park Rapids. The Star Of The North Marine Corps League will provide full military honors. The visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Sunday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George and for one hour prior to the service on Monday. Following the funeral a luncheon will be hosted by the women of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.