Obituaries
Burton Schultze
April 28, 1942 - July 23, 2020
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VISITATION
July 26, 2020 | 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
1771 W. State Street
Geneva, Illinois 60174 - Funeral
- July 27, 2020 | By Invitation
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Geneva Lutheran Church
Geneva, Illinois -
Burial Location
River Hills Memorial Park, Batavia
Burton Schultze, 78, died Thursday July 23, surrounded by his loving family. Burt was greatly loved by his wife, Pat, his children and grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends.
The son of Fred and Amy Schultze, Burt was born on April 28, 1942 in Albert City, Iowa, a small town in Northwest Iowa. In 1962 he moved to the Chicago area to begin an almost 40-year career as a flight dispatcher for United Airlines.
He served his country proudly as a member of the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. He was stationed in Okinawa.
Burt married Patricia Adams on September 17, 1967. They raised their two children, Amy and Dustin, in the western suburbs of Chicago, principally in West Chicago, IL. Burt was a long-time, dedicated member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago, where he served as a church council member, usher, counter, member of the Property team, and long-time member of the Men’s Fellowship group. Burt and Pat developed a real “church family” at St. Andrew. And whether at church, or anywhere else, no matter the need, everyone knew they could always count on Burt.
Burt was a gregarious man who made friends with everyone he met. He loved people. In his retirement, he sought out part-time jobs that allowed him to be around people. He worked as an usher for the Chicago Bears and for events at the Sears Centre. But he especially loved working for the Kane County Cougars, selling tickets in the “Kid Zone” play area for 15 years. He delighted in meeting and talking with the kids who came to play in the Kid Zone—quizzing them about the change they were owed and even signing an autograph or two.
Burt never lost his roots as an Iowa farm boy. He loved to return to Albert City for the annual Thresherman’s Festival, to see the tractors and other farm equipment and connect with family and old friends. And as he experienced life, he would often exclaim in wonder, “can you believe that an Iowa farm kid would ever get to do (or see) this?” – including finally celebrating the Chicago Cubs World Series win after supporting them for more than 50 years, through thick and thin.
But most of all, Burt loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter Amy (Todd) Steenson; son Dustin (Amy) Schultze; grandchildren Lillyan, Jaxson, Elijah and Layla Schultze; brother Eugene (Carolyn) Schultze; and sisters Eloise (Ronald) Swanson and Majel (Terry) Koppes, along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Fred Schultze, and his mother, Amy Schultze.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2020, at Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL. Because of in-person gathering restrictions relating to COVID-19, the live service is by invitation only. You can join and participate in the service by live stream at the Geneva Lutheran Church Youtube page. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva, 1771 West State Street, Geneva, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Burt’s memory can be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church. West Chicago, IL, and the Albert City Fire Department, Albert City Iowa.
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Curtis Haug from Geneva, IL
"Burt was definitely part of the Cougars team and always will be--so many of us here at the ballpark loved him for simply being such "a great guy" God bless his family during this difficult time."
John & Bev Day from West Chicago, IL
"So sorry for your loss. Burt was a GREAT guy !!! He will be missed. You all will all be in our prayers. John & Bev"
Noma Johns from Wheaton, IL
"I'm sorry for your loss, Any and Todd. Your dad joined UAL right about the time I left."
Philip and Michelle (Swanson) from Maplewood, MN
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Pat, Amy & Todd, and Dustin & Amy and family during this time. I enjoyed time with Burt throughout the years and the stories he had to tell, especially his love of the Bears and the Cubs. He will be missed, but will be forever in our hearts."
kbrechler@yahoo.com from Coralville , IA
"Our sympathy to the Schultze family! Growing up in Albert City with them, a very nice family! Den and Kathy Brechler"
Eleanor Kear from Kansas City, MO
"To all of Burton’ s family, I was so sorry to see this. You have my sympathy and prayers."
Joan didier from Addison, IL
"Amy, I'm so sorry for your loss. You dad sounds like a really special guy. *Choose joy*"
Norma Jean Lemke from Holcombe, WI
"So very sad to hear this news. Love & hugs to all. Burt was such a special man. 🥰🙏 prayers for all of the family especially to Pat, Amy Elizabeth & Dustin."
Pauleen Driscoll from West Chicago, IL
"My deepest sympathies to you all. Burt was so loved by all & will be remembered for his countless acts of kindness. As part of his church family I will remember how welcoming he was to everyone. Prayers for God to comfort all who mourn."
Karen Gustafson Hartman from Springfield , MO
"I went through all twelve grades with Burton in Albert City. We were both at our 50th reunion ten years ago. Bob and I send our sympathy to the family. I certainly have memories of the very decent person that he was. Obviously he enjoyed life! May your pleasant memories of Burton be the ones that linger."
Becky Kelly from Geneva , IL
"Love and deepest condolences to your entire family, Amy. We count ourselves lucky to have met your dad and experienced his warm personality and love of life. Keeping you all close in our hearts. xo Becky and Jim"
Jean Gustafson Mark from Dexter, MI
"I was Burton’s classmate for 12 years in Albert City and am not surprised that he had many friends and a loving family. We rode the same school bus and in that girls vs. boys environment he was always a nice guy. His smile as a sports fan in this picture is the same as his smile in boyhood. May God give his family and friends comfort in this sad time."
Carolyn Peterson Prairie Sellars from Kernersville, NC
"Patsy: So sorry for Burton’s death. My heartfelt prayers go out for you and yours. Been through that at Bill’s death and widowhood. I’m here to share how God sustained me ✝️✝️"
Brigitte Duschen from Brockport , NY
"My deepest sympathy. It is no wonder Charley and Burt were good friends, they had so much in common. Love of family and church. Delight in working with children. Gregarious and warm. And terrific smiles. All your good memories will help comfort you as you go forward. And keep a picture of his smiling face in your homes. It will always bring a tear to your eyes and a grin to your face."
Dan & Michelle Kazlauski from Batavia, IL
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve Burt’s passing and celebrating his wonderful life."
Debbie Pande from Holcombe, WI
"Pat, Amy,Dustin, and families,We were so sorry to hear of Burt's passing. He was a wonderful man. He is being welcomed into the arms of his savior and the rest of his family of believers. Our sorrow is for you who have been left to mourn. Praying you are comforted by the many who were proud to call Burt a friend and mentor. In friendship, Dave and Debbie Pande"
Marge from Evans , IL
"Pat, Amy, Todd, Dustin, Amy, how sad I am to hear of Burt's passing. I'm praying for you all dear friends for God's presence to comfort you and His strength to carry you all through this pain. Love you all"
Karen and Tom Kovacevich from Urbandale , IA
"Our prayers and love go out to the family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss. I know Burt’s parents, Aunts and Uncles welcomed him into heaven."
Bill Landen from Lakeland, FL
"Pat and Amy- It was a pleasure working with Burt those many years at Cougars and always enjoyed his company. He was often the target of a tease and he always took it in the spirit it was delivered - with respect and friendship. You are both in my thoughts and I will keep good memories of my time with Burt."
Bruce Garberding from Kenmore, WA
"Sad to hear this news...Burton and Pat became good friends with my folks, Ray & Lucille, in the late 60's and early 70's. My folks had left the farm and moved to Chicago suburb and Burton was working for United Airlines out of Chicago....they were such good company for my folks, providing a hometown connection...Always cheerful and upbeat. RIP Burton...."
Dan and Michelle Kazlauski from Batavia , IL
"You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. You have so many wonderful memories to celebrate his life. May those memories bring you comfort."
Greg and Keri Schultze from Osmond, NE
"We are so sorry to hear of Burton’s passing! God bless and keep you with His loving arm’s around you during this difficult time. All of our love , Greg and Keri"
Dan Klinkhamer from St Charles, IL
"One of the most decent and honorable men I have ever known. Burt and I worked at the Cougars for as long as I can remember. I really am a better person for having known him like I did. Our end of the night conversations when he came into the security office I will cherish forever. Burt, my dad is waiting for you up there guarding the gates of Heaven."
Patt and Gary Taylor from Winfield, IL
"What a well written obituary for a life well lived. If a person was able to call Burt their friend, that person was quite blessed. And if a church family could count Burt among its' members, that church was equally blessed. What a kind and dear man he was. He enjoyed life and gave of himself in so many ways. We send our love and prayers to all. We will always be glad that we knew him."
Dan Klinkhamer from St Charles, IL
"Burt was one of the most decent and honorable men I have ever known. I worked with him for the 15 years he was at the Cougars. I will always treasure our nightly conversations when he came into the security office at the end of his shift. Godspeed to all."
Dan klinkhamer from St Charles, IL
"Burt was always one of my favorite coworkers at the Cougars. I always looked forward to seeing him at the ballpark. I will always treasure our conversations at the end of the night! I lost a good friend in him. My love to Pat, Amy and Dustin."
Dan Klinkhamer from St Charles, IL
"Burt was on of the most personable guys I have ever known. He always had a smile and a kind word whenever I saw him. We worked together for all the years he worked for the Cougars. I will always treasure the conversations we had at the end of the night when he came in my office after his shift was over. Sincere condolences to Pat, Amy and Dustin. I miss him already"
Ken and Glenna ThompsonGlen from Glen Ellyn, IL
"We're thinking of you especially right now and send our heartfelt condolences."
Greg and Beth Hayworth from Rossville, TN
"Gene and family: Sending our love and sympathy to you all at this sad time. We wish we there with you but want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know you will remember the good times you had with Burton and carry those with you."
Russ & Sue Whitaker from Hinckley , MN
"Dear Pat, Amy and Dustin, We wish that we could there with you during this difficult time. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest condolences and love. Russ & Sue Romans 8:37 - 39"
Steve Hernandez from Geneva, IL
"We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family."
Hayes Family from Geneva, IL
"Our love and prayers are with the whole Shultze family. God Bless"
Eldona/Duane Hornor from Newell, IA
"Pat: We are so sorry to see the passing of Burton. Hold on to the memories! I remember your wedding! Many thoughts And prayers for your family! God Bless! Duane and Eldona"
Glenna and Ken Thompson from Glen Ellyn, IL
"We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family"
Gary and Pam LeKander from Stillwater , MN
"So sorry to hear of Burt’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. May you find comfort in the support and love of family and friends and strength from your faith."
Roxann from Chino, CA
"I remember Pat and Berton coming and helping with my wedding. He was our bartender. We had so much fun! They made some fine memories for me! I’ll never forget! He is now in the presence of the Lord!✝️"
Kevin and Lynn Peterson from Salina, KS
"Pat and family...sorry to hear of your loss. Lynn has fond memories of the many summers spent with you in the Ozarks when she was growing up. Our thoughts are with you."
Ron Smith from Elizabeth City, NC
"I only now realized my dear friend and co-worker, Burt, had passed. My wife of 55 years, Dianne, passed on July 18 and, obviously, I'm way behind on what was happening beyond my world. Burt was my go-to guy for many years at United, never turning down a request from me to go above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to being the most helpful, kind, considerate person I've had the pleasure to know, Burt was a great husband, father, and granddaddy. I attend Mass regularly and will say prayers for Burt and family. God Bless you and yours."
Terry Nichols from Huntley , IL
"So sorry to hear of Burts passing. He was a pleasure to work with and so much fun to be around. When I first came to work in dispatch at ORD, he made me feel very welcome and comfortable which translated into many years of friendship. United was a better place with him, and he will be greatly missed by his legions of friends. A great guy!"
Jack Hartery from Vero Beach , FL
"You are home with God Burt. Rest In Peace my friend. Blessings for your family"
Valeria J. Tutt from Storm Lake, IA
"My sympathy to the family. We were neighbors in the 50's."
Connie Zillig from Grasonville, MD
"I just came across Burt's obituary and was so sad to see it. We worked together for several tax seasons in Elmhurst, IL. I remember Burt as a extremely kind and happy person. He was so thoughtful during my mom's illness and passing. Amy made a prayer shawl that he brought into the office for me to give to my mom. I still have that shawl and always think of Burt and Amy for their thoughtfulness."