Dennis Lee Shultz was born to Lester and Sophie Shultz in Warren, Illinois, on June 22, 1954.  He was the third child to be born at home, weighing in at 13 pounds!  That must have been quite the feat for his 45 year old mother!  Dennis joined two other siblings: Donna Mammoser who was 18, and Duane (Pat) Shultz who was 9 years old.  Dennis put many long days in on the family farm in Warren.  When he wasn't hauling water to the house, or milking cows, or attending school, he was playing football.  He was proudly a star football player for the Warren Warriors all four years of high school; he would often relive every minute spent on the field!

Just before graduation in May 1972, he met 14 year old Ruby (Johnson) Shultz of Lena, and it was love at first sight – at least for Dennis.  Rumor has it that Ruby was eventually won over by his bright red '72 Comet GT.  This was just the beginning of the greatest love story ever told.  Even though Dennis was a tinkering country bumpkin who preferred manuals, and Ruby was a townsperson who only drove automatics with a strong get-it-done-now personality, they created a beautiful life together, one that is admired by all who know them.

Dennis and Ruby were married in March 1974 at the United Methodist Church in Lena; their firstborn Stephanie (Shultz) Cochran was born later that same year.  Stephanie is Dennis' "original little grease monkey" as she spent her preschool years "working" with her dad at Shoemaker's Implement in Lena, IL., where Dennis worked as a mechanic for 12 years.  Dennis and Ruby's "middle child" Sheila (Shultz) Mikesell joined the happy family in 1980 and was always a mama's girl.  Jedediah Shultz, the only boy, rounded out the family circle in 1982 and was born with a wrench in his hand.  Jed often woke up early so he could go to work with his dad.

In August 1984, Dennis was given the opportunity to start his own farm implement business, and he jumped at the chance.  Skid Steer Specialties was born and became the premiere sales and service skid-steer business in the area for over 38 years!  Even during this very busy season of life, Dennis found time to volunteer for the Lena Fire Department from 1989-2014, including 12 years of service alongside his son, Jed.  After Dennis officially retired from Skid Steer in 2005, Jed and his wife Malissa continued the family business, and his son Ike joined after his graduation.  Dennis spent much of his retirement years hanging out with Ruby at Café 217 which they purchased together in 2012.  He enjoyed not only creating delicious smoothies, but also making sure everyone had a smile on their face by the time they left with their morning latte and nutteroo.

While Dennis and Ruby were just one year and one month short of their 50 ^th anniversary, anyone who knows them, knows that all the years were packed with lots of love and adventures.  They both shared a love for old cars and car shows until later years when they came across a '89 Jeep that would fill their days with fresh fun, excitement, and memories.  They would strip everything off and joyride to their hearts content, flying down highways, splashing through puddles, and meandering along back country roads with the country radio music blaring!

Over the years, the family tree continues to grow!  Stephanie and Grant Cochran of Alaska have three adult children who also enjoy life in Alaska:  Oliver and Cheryl Cochran with son Theodore, Nevyn and Sarah Cochran with "little rutabaga" on the way, and Phoebe Cochran with fiancé Jesus Cisneros who will be married later this year.   Sheila and Mike Mikesell and two of their adult sons, Jaedon and Parker Terhaar live in the area while Mitchell and Kyleigh Mikesell live in Wisconsin with their twin girls Kora and Kenlynn.  Jed and Malissa Shultz also live in the area with their six children: Ike Shultz with Maya Curtis, Izaiah Shultz, Hadlea Shultz, Preston Shultz, Brycen Shultz, and Ryan Shultz.

Even during cancer treatment, Dennis continued to spread light and cheer wherever he went.  He never understood why all the nurses enjoyed hanging out in his hospital room during their breaks.  He attributed his stubborn strong will-to-live to his heritage: "I'm half German, a quarter Swiss, and a quarter Irish.  That means I'm a fighter!!"  Truth be told, Dennis did continue to fight all the way through his finish line!  He came home from the hospital Tuesday evening, spent precious hours surrounded by family, and took his final 'river crossing' very peacefully early Wednesday afternoon.

Dennis was proceeded in death by his parents, Lester and Sophie Shultz, and he leaves many loved ones behind including his loyal canine companion "Sofie."  Because of Dennis' trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, we know this is not the end; because of the resurrection, we have the promise of seeing Dennis again someday!  Please join us for a visitation at Leamon's Funeral Home, Thursday, February 9, from 4-8:30pm.  Also, there is a Celebration of Life at the Lena Fire Department, Friday, February 10, at 1:00pm.