Dennis Dean Schultz of Irrigon passed away on Feb. 17, 2022 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 81.
Denny was born on Dec. 17, 1940 in McMinnville to Herman Theodore Schultz and Myrtle Edith Newcomb Schultz Linder.
Shortly after graduating from Hermiston High School in 1959, he joined the U.S. Army and served two years. Denny was united in marriage to Jaunita Wagner on May 20, 1961 in Hermiston.
He worked for the gypsum plant in Pilot Rock before becoming a policeman for the city of Hermiston and was there for 27-1/2 years, when he retired as sergeant.
Denny retired at 50 years young and traveled, hunted, camped and mostly fished the rest of his life, keeping a notebook documenting 300-plus days annually spent in the mountains, fishing and camping. He spent his last year of life camping at his son Mike’s mountain “ranch,” as he called it, appointing himself the ranch foreman.
He is survived by his son, Michael Jay Schultz and his wife Priscilla of Adams; his brother, Terry “Butch” Schultz and wife Debbie of Umatilla; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years, Jaunita Schultz; two daughters, Sylvia and Patti Schultz; and his sister, Betty Jean (Sue) Helms.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
