Richard H. Schultz, 96, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Accura Health in Le Mars. A time of sharing with his family will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the Foster Park Carousel, Central Ave and 6th Street SE, Le Mars. If the weather is unfavorable, please join the family in the shelter house at O'toole Park, 500 Central Ave NE, Le Mars.

Born to John A. and Johanna (Hacker) Schultz in Le Mars, Iowa, Richard was part of a family with deep roots in the community. His grandparents on both sides immigrated here from Germany in the 1880's. He graduated from Le Mars High School in 1946, where he met his future wife, Jane Parkinson. After a year at Western Union College, Richard pursued his passion for music, touring with the Parkinson Ensemble from 1947-1951. He married Jane in 1948.

Rich later earned his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and a master's degree from the University of Iowa. His thesis on technical colleges guided the establishment of community colleges in Iowa. He dedicated his career to higher education serving as first president of Eastern Iowa Community College (now Scott Community College) from 1958-1976, overseeing three campuses. After retiring to Le Mars in 1978, Richard remained active with his hobby and volunteer work.

After a 1940's all decade reunion, many alumni wondered what happened to the band stand. With money left over from that reunion, many wanted to give back to Le Mars. They decided on Foster Park, Rich then headed up the committee, fundraised, designed and oversaw the construction of the Carousel at Foster Park.

He also designed the main gate at Plymouth County Fairground and volunteered on other projects such as Westmar Memorial Park and Veterans' Memorial Park. He earned the Citizen of the Year in 2005 for his work on the Veterans' Park.

He was active with St. John's Lutheran Church where his grandparents were charter members and where he was instrumental in acquiring their new organ in 1993.

In his spare time, Rich spent 50 years restoring 80 rare, vintage motorcycles to their original condition. He was an authority on Henderson motorcycles and wrote two books about them. He also was authority on Indian four-cylinder bikes and other motorcycle makes. He was the founder of the Davenport Chief Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America in 1972. The meet became the largest vintage motorcycle swap meet in the world and attracts thousands each year. He belonged to numerous vintage car and motorcycle clubs nationwide. He continued riding every September in the Black Hills on his 1934 Harley, with Jane in the sidecar, until age 94.

Rich will be remembered for his contributions to his family, education, his community and his hobby.

His morning coffee friends enjoyed his sense of humor, quick wit and wealth of knowledge. His family will remember him as a loving partner and supportive father, seemingly able to fix everything and admired his German work ethic.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 76 years, Jane; son, David of Vietnam; daughter, Paula of Indianola, IA; Alan and his wife, Shelly of Johnston, IA; grandchildren, Alex of Baltimore, MD, Andrew of Savage, MN and Andrea of Victoria, MN; and Zoilita Morcillo de Arita, AFS foreign exchange student in 1971 from Comagugula, DC, Honduras and her family.

Memorials in Rich's name may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church Youth Group, 201 1st Ave NW, Le Mars, Iowa 51031