Jack Walter Shultz, 75, of Pella, Iowa (formerly of Knoxville, Illinois), beloved husband of Shirley (Ryan) Shultz for 53 years, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2017, surrounded by the ones he laughed with, lived for and loved.

Jack was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on March 31, 1941. He worked as a railroad engineer for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) for 43 years. After he retired (or as Jack called it "free-tired") in 2002, he traveled extensively taking several motorcycle trips across the U.S. and Canada. Jack was known for his big-hearted generosity, his wicked sense of humor and his ability to create words that sometimes made sense only to him. He enjoyed watching movies, especially westerns and cooking shows. He loved gadgets and tinkering on his computer, which usually ended up with him having to call the help desk to get things straightened out. He will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Jack is survived by his wife Shirley, his three children: Susan (Mick) Hardine of Pella, Jacquelyn (Shannon) Minshall of West Des Moines, and Ryan (Sue) Shultz of Otley; his grandchildren who brought him great joy: Alex (Kelcey) Hardine, Andy Hardine (Aletta Verhey), Aaron Hardine, Liv Minshall (Dave Fuentes) and Zoe Minshall; his great-granddaughter Ryen Hardine; his dog Sparky; his sister Barbara (Phil) White; his brother Tom Shultz, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Hazel Shultz, his nephew Jason White, his mother and father-in-law Evelyn and Clark Ryan, and his sister-in-law Phyllis Ryan.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Doug Kanis, Dr. Westberg, the staff of Pella Regional Hospital, Hospice of Pella and Father John Spiegel. Their dedication and excellent care over the last few months were a heartwarming blessing to the entire family. We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the time we spent with him.

A visitation will be held honoring Jack on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Garden Chapel Funeral Home, 1301 Main Street, Pella, Iowa. Burial will be at the Weller Cemetery on a date yet to be determined in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Pella and/or given to the family who will then forward it to the Weller Cemetery Fund.