William John Shultz

WILLIAM JOHN SHULTZ

Cedar Rapids

6/24/1952 7/31/2018

John Shultz, 66, passed away after a valiant battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Born to William Stewart Finn (1910-1958) and Thelma J. (Inskeep) Finn, John was lovingly adopted at age 4 by his maternal aunt, Georgia Lois (Inskeep) Shultz (1905-2001), and her husband, Leo W. Shultz (1903-1972). John graduated from Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1970. He attended college at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and then transferred to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Mass.

John was a gifted musician who sang and played multiple instruments, including electronic keyboards and guitar. He played with many bands throughout his long career. Recent bands included Jasmine, The Moe Band, Big and Easy, Beaker Brothers and Big Fun. John also was a web designer, teacher and mentor. His many students, friends and family members will remember his quick wit, kind heart and pursuit of excellence in everything he did.

John is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Barbara (Welsh) Shultz; and his three children, Danica (Billy) Allen, Chelsea (Chris) Rosenberg and Nathan (Angela) Shultz. His five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Hannah, Wyatt, Avigail and Charlie, adored their grandpa, Papa John. He also is survived by his stepbrother, Ray Barnes; and sister, Judy (Bernd) Wier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Betty Petsel.

The service and celebration of John's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will take place on Sunday, Aug. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the State Room Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow the service in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family, who will use the funds to benefit young local musicians.

Online condolences can be left for the family at cedarmemorial.com.