Eulogy for Blaine Harris Schultz- given by Kate Myers, granddaughter. Thank you for being here today to celebrate the life of Blaine Schultz. I’m pleased to say a few words in representation of the younger generation. Blaine had 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. What a blessing it has been to all of us the have him in our lives for so many years. Grandparents have a different relationship with their grandchildren than they do with their children. And not many grandkids get to really know their grandparents in both youth and adulthood. We learned some wonderful lessons from Grandpa and I’m happy to share a few of them with you today. Grandpa was a quiet man, but very observant. When he would finally chime in he spoke with conviction and the wisdom of his faith and experience. You might not have known that Grandpa was an electrical engineer with several patents to his name. Or that he and Uncle Geoff build an early computer at home. Grandpa and Grandma embraced the computer revolution and communicated with us often via email and Facebook. They don’t post much on Facebook but they do let us know they see what we are posting and are loving and supporting us. They also serve as de facto filters before I make any comments – “Do I really want to say this in front of my grandparents?” In this age where the time between though and broadcast via email, social media or text is growing ever shorter, Grandpa taught us to be a good listener, speak with conviction and to speak wisely. By engaging his grandchildren where we are, in both the real and electronic world, Grandpa showed us how to go to the people you love. Through many difficult times, he was there for each of us with a kind word and encouragement. And you know what? When a hard working farm kid who lived through the Depression Era and survived World War II tells you it will all work out, you can’t help but feel, “This man really knows it will all work out.” Sometimes the encouragement would come in the form of a joke he first heard at the Old Goats Club (that’s Gentlemen of Assorted Talents and Skills). He loved a good punchline and kept his sense of humor to the end. Grandpa Blaine was also a part of several other clubs and groups – the Lions Club of So. Milwaukee, his church here at St. John’s and several different civic committees for the community of So. Milwaukee. Even in his older years, we heard about the long hours he put in running the electrical for and serving at Lionsfest and working at the Bradley Center with other folks from St. John’s to fundraise. When he saw that an opportunity to make an impact with a portable vision screening device was going to take too long through regular Lions Club channels, he too personal action. He and Grandma donated the machine to the county themselves in collaboration with the Lions. (Grandpa was not always known for being patient when he had a goal in mind.) He was a man confident in his knowledge and skills and ready to do for the benefit of others. We take that stick-to-it-iveness with us in the many ways that each of us volunteer. Through our professions, philanthropy or church, with kids or on a civic level. We are each in our own way following his example. It should also be noted that Grandpa could not have given so generously in any of these realms without the devoted support of my grandma, Muriel Schultz. They met and married at 22 and weathered all of life’s storms and setbacks together for 72 years. Their commitment to one another and the importance of family can not be understated. It was a bond that stands as an example of true love for each of us to aspire to. Grandpa also knew another love deeply and that was a personal relationship with Christ. He knew that his salvation came by the grace of Jesus’ death and resurrection alone. He was happiest using his considerable knowledge and skills to further God’s kingdom on Earth. I see him as a great example of what a humble servant should be. Blaine Schultz has left a legacy to all of us: - Listen, speak with conviction and speak wisely - Reach out to people in the place where they are - Love your spouse and your family with deep devotion - Serve God selflessly through all your talents as long as you are able I know that Grandpa’s legacy will last through many, many more generations – those here now and yet to come.