Sophie Schultz

Sophie V. Schultz was a loving wife, caring mother and involved grandmother. She knew what it meant to work hard and live happy. Both her stern attitude and delightful sense of fun became an example to her children and grandchildren. She was completely dedicated to them in a way that brought out the best in all of her family. Sophie was born at home in Fruitport, Michigan to Walter and Mary (Posobiec) Kuzniar on April 29, 1923. At that time, America was recovering from the First World War and straining to rebuild its economy. By the end of the decade, stock markets fell and countries around the world experienced long years of economic depression. Farm families, such as the Kuzniars, faired somewhat better because they were self-sufficient enough to always provide the basics of life. Hard work and family togetherness were the norm for Walter and Mary and their nine children: Helen, Stella, Stanley, Chet, Shophie, Gladys, Joe, Louise and Richard. From an early age, Sophie was entrusted with responsibility that shaped her values for the rest of her life. Attending the one-room school house, Rymer Elementery on the outskirts of Fruitport, Sophie had the task of supplying wood for the school stove and arriving early to light it before any of the other students came to school. In the 8th grade, she took a job cleaning houses and earned $5.00 a week. By the time she was a young adult and started factory work with Standard Automotive, Sophie had a lot of experience under her belt. Life wasnt all about work for Sophie. While at a box lunch social on Carr Road near her familys home, she met 16 year-old Paul Schultz. The two of them developed a deep friendship as they spent time togetherroller skating, going to the movies, or taking walks to the ice cream shop in Fruitport. Their love grew gradually and their commitment was strong when they married on June 6, 1942. They spoke their vows at the home of Pauls sister, Elsie and her husband Emery, and the celebration was attended by 300 people who wished them well. However, the times being as they were, the newlyweds werent able to enjoy a honeymoon at Niagara Falls until six years later. Sophie and Paul made their first home in the apartment above Emery and Elsies home, and Paul worked in the plating factory. Tragedy struck the family when Sophies brother Stanley and his wife Fritzy were killed in an auto accident. Sophie was devastated, as were other members of the family. Something went out of Sophies mother that day, and she never again decorated the family home for Christmas. At such times, it became all the more important that the family had each other to lean on. In 1944, Sophie and Paul started to build a house on Airline Road, which became the family home 'til present day. As they were building, they lived in the basement until it was completed in 1950. That same year, Sophie worked with Paul to start a family business: Paul Schultz Trucking Inc. that included crane and bulldozer services. They built it into a very successful enterprise that, in time to come, was passed to the second and third generation. When Sophie and Paul decided to start a family, they were first blessed to adopt their daughter Arlene in 1954. They were ecstatic, especially when, in that same year, they gave birth to Paul Jr. Their joy was made complete when Kenny was born in 1961. The family home was truly thata place of stability, character formation and fun. Family life was filled with activities that fostered unity, responsibility and faith. In 1958, the family started going to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Nunica, and Sophie and Paul remained members there throughout their lives. When the kids were of age, Sophie took them to pick blueberriesnot always an easy task. Though she sometimes picked for them, Sophie was instilling in her children the same work ethic that she had learned as a child. Togetherness was formed over work and recreation. They took trips to Canada and Niagara Falls, and every summer, they went up north to stay in rented cabins on various lakes in Michigans Wonderland. One especially memorable vacation was their trip to Mackinac Island in 1971. Yet, many memories were shared over the years each time they got together for Christmas parties, big family reunions, or their Sunday summertime jaunts to Mills ice cream shop in Muskegon. In time, when the children grew up and moved on, Paul passed the daily business operations to his sons. With the birth of their first grandchild in 1978, both Paul and Sophie could concentrate on being grandparents, which made them extremely happy. They took an active role in their grandchildrens lives, making them fun to be around. Many times, the grandkids came for sleepovers in the back yard, and in the morning, Sophie greeted them with huge piles of her famous blueberry pancakes. That was just one of many dishes that she prepared superbly. In addition to her involvement in the family business, Sophie liked to spent time outside, gardening and tending her flowers. Indoors, she enjoyed such quieting hobbies as knitting or such vigorous activities as dancing. She was a delightful person who made life sweet for those around her. Sadly, a heart attack in July of 2009 was the beginning of a rapid decline in her health. Sophie died three weeks later on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the age of 86. Mrs. Sophie V. Schultz will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family. They include her husband of 67 years, Paul Sr.; sons, Paul (Linda) Schultz Jr., Ken (Penny) Schultz, both of Fruitport; daughter, Arlene Schultz of Fruitport; grandchildren, Stacey (Paul) Lindale, Paul III (Mari) Schultz, Amy (Jim) Boeve, Greg (Nikki) Schultz, Kurt Schultz, Keri (Brian) Meister, Ken Schultz Jr., Kevin Schultz, Kody Schultz, Kelsie Schultz; great grandchildren, Hallie, Brady; brother, Joe (Theresa) Kuzniar of Fruitport; sisters, Stella Allard of Fruitport, Gladys (Joe) Slezak of Fruitport, Louise (Arnold) Redecker of Grand Haven; sister-in-law, Elenor Kuzniar (Richard); several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, July 18, 2009, 3:30 PM at St. Luke Lutheran Church of Nunica with Rev. William Lahrman officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church of Nunica. 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