Obituary for Wilbert H. Schuldt

Wilbert H. Schuldt, 93, of Crooked Creek Township rural Brownsville, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at his home. Wilbert was the youngest of 7 children. He enjoyed teasing his friends by reminding them he had three twin sisters - which is correct, himself a twin and his eldest sisters also twins. At the age of 20, he married Margaret Emma Tewes, and born to this union were 5 beloved children. Wilbert is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Emma, daughter Kathleen, his siblings Melinda, Orinda, Harold, Elton, Vernetta, and Wilma, his beloved wife Margaret, and his son Owen, as well as other family and friends. He is survived by Alta (Charles) Lampert, Gloria (Roger) Suehs, Shelia Schuldt Corcoran, and his grandchildren Andrew (Heidi), Ruth, Kate, Benjamin (Nicole), Robyn, Timothy (Amber), Matthew (Emily), Ashley (Corey), Nathan, Daniel, and Christopher, and 15 great-grandchildren. Wilbert proudly served in the United States Navy, placing silver into his shoes to make weight and leaving home at age 17 to do his honorable part. He served 18 months in the South Pacific, honorably discharged July 18, 1946, returning home to farm with his family. The territory of Guam remains forever in his heart through his naval experiences there. He refused to separate from his dear friend on the bus and train ride home, choosing rather to sit in the back, since his friend could not sit in the front with him. They rode together until their journey forced them to part. Wilbert returned to Houston County, finished high school, married the smartest girl in class and then farmed locally. He farmed on several properties in the Viroqua area, Sylvan area, Richland Center area and also was a milk hauler in those years based out of Ferryville. He settled down on the home farm in Crooked Creek Township, Minnesota and raised his family there. Wilbert held other jobs and occupations, one which he held in high esteem was the role of Boilerman for St. Rose Convent in LaCrosse. Through this role he and family have made many wonderful and lasting friendships. He often invited the nuns to the family home for days of fun, sledding, fishing, music and merrymaking, or other wonderful family life events. The young nuns became fast friends with Wilbert's daughters. Wilbert had many hobbies which he enjoyed, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, flying, wood working, tinkering, and running a sawmill, music, dancing. He loved gadgets of all kinds. Even losing his sight did not stop him from enjoying these hobbies and sharing them with others. His favorite pastime of all was spending time with family and friends. Christmas always was a much anticipated event that he looked forward to and celebrated whole heartedly. Wilbert and Margaret retired from dairy management and moved to their valley home in 2001. They planted fruit trees and continued to live their lives together until Margaret passed from cancer in 2011. Wilbert continued to live in their home until 2019. His tenacity to overcome challenges, heartaches, disabilities and stressors remain a strong example for others. Wilbert's faith buoyed him up and spurred him on, often his quiet moments spent pondering. He drew strength from his faith and community both by remaining involved in the local church worship and activities. When he could no longer attend in person he made a point to listen on radio. We fondly remember his kind greetings, unconditional love, old german ways, quick wit, and soft heart. Wilbert will be forever loved and lives on in us. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020 at the Evangelical Church of Peace, Crooked Creek. Rev. Dr. William Reese will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be from 9 am until the time of service. Social distancing and facial covering are encouraged. A complete obituary will follow.