William 'Bill' Luther Schultz

William "Bill" Luther Schultz, age 85, passed away with his family by his side on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at the Big Sandy nursing home.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Kirkwood Memorial Chapel in Malta. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at the American Legion Hall in Hinsdale, followed by burial at Hillview Cemetery in Hinsdale.

He was born to Luther and Hattie (Yeska) Schultz on Jan. 15, 1930, the fifth child of seven. He was born a couple of blocks from the house he would one day build and call home. During his childhood, he lived south of Hinsdale on the Schultz homestead with his family. He attended school south of Hinsdale at the Steen Country School until fourth grade when he went to Hinsdale Public School until the first week of his ninth-grade year. He then stayed home with his dad to help on the farm while his brothers served in WWII.

On June 3rd, 1957, he married Lois (Kananen) Schultz and to this union brought their daughters, Dolores, Rita and Gwen.

He had many occupations throughout his life such as cattle buying, construction work in the summer months, and his backhoe business. He began the Schultz Brothers' backhoe business with his brothers, Jim and Roy Schultz. He and Lois bought the backhoe service from Jim and Roy in the '90s. This kept Bill very busy as he always had many jobs lined up. Many times when he was out in the hills, Lois was with him helping any way she could. He still ran his backhoe business through 2014.

He enjoyed woodworking. He built his house from the ground up. He also built other homes for local people and lots of furniture for his children and grandchildren. He always enjoyed his wife's flowers, sewing, cooking and baking. He would never turn down a homemade sweet. He was involved with the Milk River Cowboy's Association for 15 years and was the fire chief in Hinsdale for many years. His humor and stories will be missed by so many.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of fifty years, Lois; two brothers, Jim and Roy Schultz; and one sister, Mabel Nelson.

Survivors include three daughters, Dolores Martin and her husband, Mark, Rita Berlinger and her husband, Weley, and Gwen Ophus and her husband, Shane; three sisters, Frances Holter, Joan Melby and Margie Stefczak; nine grandchildren, Melissa Martin, Brian Martin, Marie Zeiger, Sandy Beaudette and her husband, Ross, Jeff Zeiger and his wife, Jessica, Corey Berlinger, Mason Ophus, Blaine Ophus and Taylor Ophus; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be donated to the Hinsdale ambulance service, the Hinsdale volunteer fire department, or the Hinsdale American Legion. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.