Keith Elwood Schultz

Keith Elwood Schultz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 90 in Wamego, Kansas. 

He was born on June 15, 1934, in Junction City, Kansas, the son of Arthur and Selma (Steinmeyer) Schultz. 

Keith attended Alma High School and later married Carol Rae Muckenthaler on November 2, 1952, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alta Vista.

He and Carol devoted their life to the Volland Ranch, where they worked together to build a legacy that reflects their love for each other and their commitment to their family, Carol preceded him in death on May 8, 2007. 

Keith embodied the spirit of the heartland through his dedication to family, his work as a farmer and rancher, and his time as a truck driver. Throughout his career, Keith had many accomplishments that filled him with pride. He was not only devoted to his family but also to his community, as demonstrated by his involvement with organizations such as the Wabaunsee County Fair Association, the Washington Township Board, and an active member of the Mill Creek Water Shed District, which he helped found in 1964.

His journey into the cattle business began with the purchase of his first steer for 4H in 1946, marking the start of a lifelong passion. As a farmer and rancher, he nurtured the land and livestock that sustained his family and contributed to the community. His journey as a truck driver for Frito Lay took him across 34 states, allowing him to explore the country while doing what he loved, he also drove a truck for Flint Hills Stone in Alma. He was a man of strong faith, and his devotion extended beyond his professional pursuits; Keith was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church of Alma, KS, and attended faithfully until October of 2024. 

Keith is survived by his daughters, Debra (Richard) Lind and Lucinda (Ken) Smith, grandchildren: Jason (Hollie) Lind, Rachael (Jared) Peterson, Erin Frank, Autumn (Tim) Schuck, Leah (Darrin) Hermesch, and Elyse Appenfeller, great-grandchildren: Marinna (Alex) Albaradei, Cedric, Charlee, and Connor Lind, Malerie and Wylan Peterson, Sophia and Sam Frank, Colin and Brooklyn Schuck, Anna, Emma, and Olivia Hermesch, and Amelia Appenfeller-Cruz, and great-great grandchildren: Aniya and Ezra Albaradei, and brother, Cleo Schultz and wife Julie.

Keith was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol, his parents Art and Selma Schultz, stepmother Sophia Schultz, and siblings Willis Schultz and Virgie Schultz Kaul.

The community is invited to pay their respects and celebrate Keith's life at the visitation service on January 19, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a funeral service on January 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Both services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 218 West 2nd Street, Alma, Kansas. Memorials are suggested and may be made payable to St. John Lutheran Church and those can be left in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, Kansas 66547.