Michael M. Schultz, age 68, died peacefully at home in Los Alamos, NM on Monday, December 14, 2020, surrounded by his wife and children.
Mike was born in 1952 in Neenah, WI to Norma (Wanty) and the late Merle Schultz. He grew up in Waupaca, WI, the middle child of seven. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan (Steiner) in 1975, and they had two children, Emily and Elliot. Waupaca was their home until 2014, when they relocated in retirement to Los Alamos, and enjoyed the abundant sunshine, beautiful mountains, and the company of their grown children.
Surviving Mike is his loving wife of 45 years, Joan; children, Emily (David Fellenz) and Elliot, all of Los Alamos, NM. Mike’s grandson Felix was a light in his life. He is further survived by his mother Norma; sisters, Linda (Dr. Rex) Pope, Donna (Steve) Wagner, and Kathie (Ted, deceased) Smith; brothers, Bill (Lee) and Dave (Jody); and numerous other relatives and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Merle Schultz, and his brother, Tom Schultz.
For the last sixteen months of his life, Mike lived with adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a rare and aggressive blood cancer in older patients. Mike lived to see a number of ambitious milestones in 2020 thanks to two major efforts: the dedication of his oncology team, led by Dr. Dulcinea Quintana at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, to support and implement any known treatment option for his T-ALL; and the vast quantity of vital blood and platelet transfusions Mike received over the last months of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Mike’s memory by donating blood through a local blood drive or donation service when you are able; the need is great. The family also gratefully welcomes donations in Mike’s name to a local food pantry or animal shelter near you. Per Mike’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no in-person services will be held. Information on a virtual memorial will be communicated by the family at a later time. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Los Alamos, NM.