William 'Bill' Joshua Schutz, Sr.

William Joshua “Bill” Schutz Sr. passed away peacefully from natural causes on July 25, 2019 in his White Rock, New Mexico home at the age of 92.  

Bill was born in Silver City, New Mexico on February 17, 1927 to parents Leo Sr. and Josephine Schutz and grew up in Santa Fe.  He graduated from St. Michaels High School in 1945 and soon after enlisted in the US Navy during WW II.  His service was in the Pacific theater with his best friend Dick Delgado (deceased).  Bill worked for 42 years with the US Postal Service in Los Alamos.  After his retirement, he drove a Los Alamos school bus for disabled students for 16 years.  In his spare time he was an original Yankees fan, a fast-pitch softball catcher for the famous pitcher Bun Ryan, baseball coach at All Star levels, a sought after bar tender for private LANL parties, famous Little League baseball umpire and beloved church lector.  He was an incredible fisherman and camper, cruise ship avid cruiser, a talented magician, a memorable family reunion auctioneer and a smooth dancer.  He could spin a funny story like the best and was able to share a smile right up to the end of his days.  Bill was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend.

Bill is survived by his dear and loving wife of 63 years Maria Enedina P. “Edna” Schutz, his brother Joe Schutz, his children David Schutz (Molly-deceased) Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bill Schutz Jr. (Jan Schutz) Salem, Oregon, Leroy Schutz (Holly Schutz) Centennial, Colorado, Karen Walterscheid (Jeff Walterscheid) White Rock, New Mexico, Maria Rodriguez (Michael Rodriguez) Las Cruces, New Mexico, 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents Leo Sr. and Josephine Schutz, his brothers Leo Jr., James “Buddy” and sister Virginia and his son Richard.

Bill Schutz Sr.’s Rosary service will be held in Los Alamos, New Mexico at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 7:00 pm.  His funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on Thursday, August 8 at 10:00 am immediately followed by a reception at the Karen McLaughlin Parish Hall located on the edge of the church parking lot.  Afterwards, Bill will be honored with a full military Internment service at Santa Fe National cemetery on Thursday, August 8 at 2:15 pm.  Please join us in celebrating his wonderful and blessed life.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital on behalf of the “Bill Schutz Sr memorial fund” account.  Please use this link:   http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/Bill_Schutz_Sr