Rusty

Delores L. "Rusty"  Schultz  age 90, of Saint James, MN, died on January 18, 2024, at Oaklawn Health Care Center in Mankato, MN.

Service will be held at the First Lutheran Church, St. James, on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 1:00 pm, with visitation at the church from 12:00pm-1:00pm.

The clergy will be Rev. Andy Hermodson-Olsen. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Saint James at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Delores "Rusty" Leanna Schultz was born June 2nd 1933 to Gerhard "Pete" and Carrie Heckman in St. James, MN. Delores started school at St. Johns Lutheran Day School, completed 4th through 7th grade at South Branch Public School, and graduated from St. James High School.

She worked at the Watonwan Cafe from 1950 to 1953, and married her high school sweetheart Gerald "Jerry" Schultz on Sept. 25, 1953. Delores traveled to Tacoma, Washington while Jerry was stationed there in the Army between 1953 and 1955. She then returned to work at Scherr-Tumico until 1958. In 1961, Delores gave birth to her bundle of joy, Michael.

She spent a couple of years working at Arnie's North Star Station before starting her long tenure at Bolin Lumber in 1967, where she continued working until November 2, 2023 at the age of 90. Delores was involved in many clubs and groups, including: Nifty Thrifty, 4-H, South Branch Board, flag bearer, Watonwan County Extension Group, and American Legion where she held 3 officer positions. She was also a big part of starting Watonwan County E.C.I.N. Skywarn program. Delores was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in St. James, and she was well-known for her coleslaw at the church Bazaar. Her hobbies included gardening, crafts, drawing, painting, family history, and camping.

She is survived by her son, Michael (Lisa) Schultz of Mankato; grandsons, Isaiah (Anthony) of St. Paul, Isaac (Jessie) of Shakopee; brother, Jim (Zoa) Heckman; sister-in-law, Carol Heckman, Judy Schultz, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; parents, Pete and Carrie Heckman; brothers, Dale and Dennis Heckman; nephew, Todd Heckman, and uncles and aunts.