Ronald Schulz

Ronald Schulz, 40, Eagle River, Alaska, formerly of Jamestown, ND, died in December 2005 in Iraq.

Ronald Alan Schulz was born in Jamestown, ND on March 29, 1965 to Albert E. and Gladys (Oster) Schulz at Jamestown Hospital. Ron was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Jamestown. He attended school in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown High School in 1983. Ron attended NDSU for one year following high school and joined the Marine Corps in 1985. He served with distinction in the Marines from 1985 - 1991, attaining the rank of Sergeant. As a Marine Corps engineer, he was deployed to the Far East and several other theatres of operation around the world. Ron was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, along with the Humanitarian Service Medal, for his actions while recovering a downed aircraft in an undisclosed location. While serving in the Marine Corps, Ron received the Meritorious Union Commendation, 4 Meritorious Masts, 3 Letters of Appreciation, Certificate of Achievement, Certificate of Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 2 stars, and numerous medals and marksmanship awards with both the pistol and rifle. He was acting as an instructor at the Mountain Warfare Training Center when he was involved in a life-threatening accident which ultimately ended his Marine Corps career. Ron never gave up the Marine Corps lifestyles or values and they guided him in everything that he did.

Following his active Marine service, Ron became a Master Electrician and worked on industrial projects throughout the world, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and throughout the United States. He recently spent 13 months assisting the rebuilding effort working as a civilian contractor in Iraq. While working in the Green Zone in Baghdad, Ron met Susan Bushra, who was an interpreter for the US Forces. She was the love of his life and they were engaged to be married. In November of 2005, Ron traveled to Aman, Jordan to accompany Susan to his home in Eagle River, Alaska where they planned to begin their lives together.

Ron participated in cross country and track while in school, and running remained a life-long activity for Ron. He completed several marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon. Ron had a passion for the outdoors, which led him to Alaska, where he pursued his hobbies of hunting, mountain climbing and extreme outdoor activities. Ron was currently hiking legs of the Iditarod Trail. Ron maintained his roots in North Dakota. He was part owner of the family farm near Jamestown, where he spent free time between job assignments.

Ron is survived by his mother, Gladys Schulz, Jamestown, two sisters, Janice Schulz (married to Peter Schreier), River Falls, WI and Julia Schulz, Jamestown, one brother, Edwin Schulz (married to Jennifer Schulz), Arvilla, ND; his niece, Nora Schulz, who was dear to his heart, and many family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Schulz, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Memorial Service: 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 14, 2006 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Jamestown with the Rev. Doug Opp officiating.

No visitation is scheduled.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM, Friday, January 13, 2006 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Jamestown.

On-line guestbook at www.eddyfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donor's choice.