Floyd Lawrence Schultz, Sr., age 86, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Linden Court in North Platte.
Floyd was born January 14, 1930, in his grandparent’s sod house, south of Curtis, NE, to Harvey Paige and Olsa Estella Headley Schultz. Floyd grew up in the area and attended a one room school house. After his 8th grade graduation, he went on to the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis. When he finished school, Floyd worked for Pawnee Spring Ranch for a year.
In 1947 he began working for the North Platte Packing Company, eventually becoming Foreman on the killing floor. Floyd excelled at his job, and was asked many times over the years to help with private butchering and skinning. Even the State of Nebraska recognized his talent when they asked Floyd to skin the last buffalo held on the grounds in North Platte. After inquiring as to who was the best skinner in the area, they chose Floyd to perfectly skin the buffalo so it could be mounted. That buffalo now stands in the National Museum of History in Lincoln.
By 1969 Floyd hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and worked in the old Roundhouse, this was before the Diesel Shop was built. After his apprenticeship, Floyd worked as a Pipe-Fitter Sheet Metal Worker and helped get the old steam engines in tiptop shape and the Freedom Train roadworthy. His work was recognized with many service awards. In 1995 Floyd retired from the railroad but did miss the camaraderie of his fellow workers.
On April 25, 1947, Floyd was united in marriage to the love of his life, Viola M. Spidell, at the North Platte Methodist Church. They lived in North Platte and had four children, two sons and two daughters. On January 7, 1958, Floyd and Viola were baptized into the Church of Christ and have been members ever since. Floyd was also a member of the F.O. Eagles for 36 years and a lifetime member of the NRA.
During his retirement years, Floyd enjoyed woodworking, making game boards for his grandchildren, and watching old Western’s on TV. He loved being outdoors, tending to the yard, trees, vegetable gardens and his many hybrid roses, which won ribbons at the County Fair. Floyd also enjoyed hunting and fishing, but liked pheasant hunting with his German short hair pointers best. Hunting was not only fun but also provided food for the family and lead to him shooting a trophy buck (a cross between a white tail and a mule deer) in the Cottonwood Canyon. The antlers have hung in the home ever since.
Floyd will be missed by his wife of nearly 70 years, Viola, and son, Gary Schultz, of North Platte; five grandchildren, Skip, Salena, Travis, Trampus and Jake; five great-granddaughters, Brittney, Madison, Trinity, Jayna & Livia; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Cynthia and Mindy Sue; a son, Jay; brothers, Albert and Harvey; sisters, Devotabell Hoffman and Betty Jean Morgan; granddaughter, Amanda Diltz; a grandson, Michael J. Schultz; and great-granddaughter, Misty K. Schultz.
Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Larry Henry, a nephew, officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Good Fellows Shoe Fund.
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