Rodney Merle Schultz was welcomed Home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 5, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Rodney loved the Lord, his family and his country.
Rodney was born on July 11, 1924 in Turlock, CA to Conrad and Jennie Schultz. He attended Turlock schools, graduating from Turlock High School in 1943.
Rodney served with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II in England, and was part of the 390th Bomb Group as a B-17 co-pilot. At the end of the war, he was very grateful to be a part of Operation Chowhound, as they were able to deliver air drops of food to the starving Dutch people.
On May 11, 1946, Rodney married Bertha Johnson, the love of his life, in Turlock. They were blessed with three children: Suellen, Charles and Melanie. They enjoyed over 74 years of marriage. He was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
In 1951, during the Korean War, Rodney was recalled by the Air Force to serve in Germany. While stationed in Frankfurt for 18 months, Bertha and Sue were able to join him for part of this time.
Rodney was very active in, and dedicated to, his church until the last few years. He was a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. He was the Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 33 for 10 years. He was also involved in Civil Defense for Turlock during the 1960’s. He retired from the Air Force reserves in 1989 as a Major. He accomplished some amazing home improvement projects with skill and perfection. He was in his glory while camping with his family. He also loved flying, fishing, hunting, and took up golf in his retirement years. Rodney was a kind, loving, compassionate, generous man of deep faith and integrity. He enjoyed people and was very friendly, fun and enthusiastic. He cared about people, developed close relationships with them and was well respected.
He was a loyal employee of the Turlock Irrigation District for 41 years as the Purchasing Manager. He retired in 1986. After retirement, he and Bertha enjoyed traveling in their motor home. They also took a few tours to Europe and different parts of the United States.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and a sister: Elmer, Wesley, Melvin, Eugene, Harold, and Dorothy.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Bertha Schultz and his three children, Suellen (Clark) Merrill, Chuck (Cindy) Schultz and Melanie Swanson. Rodney was affectionately known as Papa to his four grandchildren: Jenny (Paul) Keith, Kristi (Jay) Fiorini, Jason Swanson, and Kaylie Swanson. He was GPapa to his five great-grandchildren: Brody and Morgan Keith, Jax, Ryker and Flora Fiorini.
Our family is grateful for the incredibly kind and compassionate care Rodney received from the staff at Paramount Court Senior Living and Covenant Care Hospice.
Private services were held. Rodney was laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.
Memorial donations can be made in Rodney’s honor to The Rock Church of Turlock, 3920 Geer Rd., #243, Turlock, CA 95382; Covenant Care Hospice, 125 N. Broadway, Suite 1A, Turlock, CA 95380; or Jesus Film Project, P.O. Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222.