William G Schutz

If you knew Bill, you knew he loved being outside—so much so that his family affectionately nicknamed him “Wilber the Weatherman.” Whether it was a round of golf with friends, a long bike ride, or simply soaking in a sunny afternoon, the outdoors was his happy place. He found peace and joy there—and maybe a little friendly competition on the golf course, too.

Bill was also a diehard hockey fan. His team, the Chicago Blackhawks, could do no wrong in his eyes. Game days were sacred, and if you were around him during hockey season, you always knew exactly who he was cheering for.

One of the greatest blessings in Bill’s life was finding his Julie. Their love story began later in life, but from the moment they met, it was clear they had something special. They shared eighteen wonderful years together—nine of those as husband and wife. Julie’s adventurous spirit perfectly balanced Bill’s calm and quiet nature. Together, they made countless memories: spontaneous trips, laughter-filled getaways, and the simple everyday moments that became their favorites. Bill always said that when Julie walked into a room, the whole world got a little brighter.

Family meant everything to Bill. Early in life, his siblings fondly remember family camping trips on Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, complete with rides down the river on Carl’s army rafts and frequent sandbar stops for epic mud fights. Later, nothing brought him more joy than being “Papa” to Issabelle, Brody, and Bailey. He had a way of making each of them feel like the most important person in the world. They could sit beside him for hours, talking, laughing, or just being together.

Bill also spent many happy hours tinkering in the garage with their son, Dillon. The two shared a love of shooting trap and operating remote-control cars and planes. Bill was even proud to be Dillon’s personal barber. He was a devoted uncle as well, attending as many of his nieces’ and nephews’ events as possible. The whole family shared Bill’s love of hockey and enjoyed going to Lancer games together. Two of Bill’s favorite family traditions were celebrating the Fourth of July and the annual Christmas hockey game on the homemade ice rink—a highlight for everyone. All these moments, full of love, laughter, and connection, were what Bill cherished most.

Bill will be remembered for his kind heart, steady presence, and quiet humor. He was the sort of man who made life better just by being in it. Though he may no longer be here with us, the love he gave and the memories he created will stay with us forever.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, where family and friends are invited to share stories, laughter, and memories of the man who meant so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Bill’s memory by taking a walk outside, cheering for your favorite hockey team, or spending time with the ones you love—just as he always did.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Catherine Schutz; his brother, Mark Schutz; his brother-in-law, Bill Condon; and his niece, Ellen Bergman.

William is survived by his loving wife, Julie of Glenwood, Iowa Children Justin (Michelle) of Bellevue, NE, Dillon (Katie) of Glenwood, IA, Heidi of Glenwood, IA; grandchildren Issabelle, Brody, Bailey of Glenwood, IA; siblings: Tim (Jan) of Omaha, NE, Toni Condon of Omaha, NE, Theresa Meister (Ralph) Springfield, NE, Joan Hughbanks (Scott) of Papillion, NE, Pam Schutz of Omaha, NE; Mother and father in-law Lyle and Jo Jones of Glenwood, IA; as well as many nieces and nephews and a host of cherished friends.