Donald Edward Schulz

Donald Edward Schulz
Born June 22, 1930, in Faribault, MN. Died peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 26, 2013, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. At age 17, Don joined the Army and was transferred to the Air force where he fought in the Korean War. There he learned to do what he loved most, Aircraft Mechanics. 1951, He was honorably discharged and moved to Alaska. He proposed to the love of his life, Jean Marie Edel, on December 1952, by sending her an engagement ring through the Mail. They were married in 1953. They moved to Alaska in 1957. He started an aircraft business out of his home in the early 60s and in 1969 built and operated Northland Aviation in Fairbanks, Alaska, establishing the largest hanger on the east ramp of the Fairbanks Airport at that time. While there, he received several STC, FAA approved airplane modifications that he engineered for the Citabria Scout, Bellanca, and Piper. In the early 70s he got this pilot's license and opened a flight school. In 1984, he retired to Roseburg, Oregon. His love for airplanes brought him back to work for Western Wings which he eventually purchased and renamed Roseburg Skyways. He worked there with his wife for numerous years. Don retired for the 2nd time but continued to work on planes at his leisure until his death. While in his 80's, he rebuilt a Piper Pacer that now resides at Kansas State University in the nation's best Aviation program, and most recent, assisted in the rebuild of a WWII 16 Trainer. Among his many accomplishments, he was a bush pilot, built 2 homes, taught at the community college in Fairbanks and raised Emus in Oregon. He loved the wilderness, hunting and fishing. He was a NRA Benefactor and firmly believed in the right to bear arms. When asked about his life he said 'I wouldn't change a thing. I lived a long happy life with no regrets. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones because I get to say goodbye to my friends and family." He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, of 58 years; parents, Adolph and Adeline; his sisters, Florence, Pearl and Elane; and his grandson, Dustin. He is survived by his children, Bruce, Phillip, Debra Gleason, Fay Vaughn, Andy, Dianna Schulz-Madlock; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his many friends and family. Services will be held January 4, 2013, at 2 p.m., at Sutherlin Chapel of the Roses, 311 E Central Ave, Sutherlin, OR 97479. (541) 459-2281. Donations can be made to The Donald E Schulz Revocable Trust at the Umpqua Bank. Condolences may be sent to Debra Gleason, 8917 Marlayana Ct., Elk-Grove, CA, 95758.