Arthur Schulz
Alton |
Arthur Earl Schulz, 93, passed away peacefully at home in Alton, Illinois on July 24, 2016, surrounded by his children. A lifelong resident of Alton, Arthur was born on January 17, 1923 -- the youngest of nine children of Bernard C. Schulz and Mary H. Schulz of Alton. His parents and eight siblings preceded him in death.
Arthur attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Alton and Marquette High School, where he graduated in 1940. Answering his country’s call at the outbreak of World War II, Arthur was inducted into the United States Army Air Corps, where he earned his pilot’s wings and an officer’s commission. Art served with distinction in the Pacific Theater from 1944-46, earning numerous combat citations as a P-38 fighter pilot with the famed 475th Fighter Group.
Returning to Alton after the war, Arthur began a long, successful professional career as a sales service manager for Owens-Illinois Glass Company. A brief stay in St Joseph’s Hospital in 1949 became a life-changing blessing when Art met the love of his life, Dorothy Nicolet,
a nurse at the hospital.
Arthur and Dorothy were married on October 7, 1950 at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church in Alton. Only Dorothy’s untimely passing in April, 2015 could affect their 64-year bond of affection. Art and Dorothy were blessed with five children, all of whom survive: John and Marie Schulz of Skandia, MI; Rebecca and Ron Wilkinson of Cottontown, TN; Eric and Pamela Schulz of Springfield, VA; Ned and Jill Schulz of Godfrey, IL; and Marilyn and Dan Erzen of Bethalto, IL along with 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 28, 2016, from 8:30 to 9:30 am at Staten-Fine Funeral Home in Alton, followed by Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. John Wykes OMV officiating.
Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery with military burial rites provided by VFW Post #1308.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Marquette High School, or to Salvation Army.
Arrangements have been provided by Staten-Fine Funeral Home in Alton.
Online condolences and a guestbook may be found at www.staten-fine.com.
Staten, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
