Paula Schultz, 90

Paula Rosalie Schultz, 90, died January 13, 2009 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.

Paula was born March 27, 1918 in Epworth, North Dakota, to Bernhart and Marie (Woessner) Klug. She was baptized on April 28, 1918 in Epworth. Her family moved to Minneapolis, to Glenwood and then Leaf Valley. She grew to adulthood in the Leaf Valley area, attended Douglas County District #23 school, graduating on June 30, 1932.

On June 26, 1932, the Rev. Henry Sprengler confirmed Paula at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley. Later the family settled in the Brandon area.

On September 15, 1940, Paula was united in marriage to Carl A. Schultz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield. The couple began farming with Carl’s parents. Several years later they rented a farm near Garfield and in 1948 they purchased a farm in LaGrand Township, where they lived for 38 years. The couple was blessed with four children, Dennis, Michael, Steven and Paulette.

Paula cared for and helped support the family by growing a large garden and preserving a variety of foods. She sold apples, raspberries, strawberries, sweet corn and potatoes in the community and to local grocery stores, such as Piggly Wiggly and Red Owl.

She was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed baking for family. Her family remembers fondly the fresh-baked bread she prepared in a wood burning stove. She won many prizes for cooking and flower displays at the Douglas County Fair.

Paula was very adept at sewing, being a self-taught seamstress. In addition to sewing her own wedding gown she created wool coats, snowsuits and dresses for her family.

Paula and Carl were active members at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield for 45 years. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir for many of those years. After retiring in 1986, the couple moved to Alexandria, where they joined Zion Lutheran Church. At Zion, Paula was again active in Ladies Aid, church library, quilt making for world relief, and support of Lutheran Island Camp.

Paula cheerfully volunteered more than 1,500 hours, shopping for residents of Knute Nelson Home and participated in the auxiliary. She enjoyed community service through the Alexandria Garden Club for many years. Many happy friendship times were shared playing cards with the neighborhood farming couples. She was most satisfied hosting holiday dinners, family reunions and celebrating religious events for each family member.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl; brothers, Harvey and Lloyd; and sister-in-law, Eunice Klug.

Paula is survived by her sons, Dennis (Phyllis) Schultz of Granite Falls, Michael (Janet) Schultz of Hastings, Steven (Melanie) Schultz of Litchfield; daughter, Paulette (Rocky O.) Hedstrom of Alexandria; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held January 17 at Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. Terry Finnern and the Rev. David Hinz officiating. Mertice Brueske was the organist. Interment followed at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Garfield. Casket bearers were Paula’s grandchildren, Deborah and Stephen Neumeister, Sarah and Patrick Turley, Leah and Jeffrey Cook, Bradley and Lisa Schultz, Andrew and Cindy Schultz, Monte and Jennifer Schultz, Tina Schultz, Rocky G. and Krissy Hedstrom, Jennifer Hedstrom, Jonathan Hedstrom and Daniel Hedstrom.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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