Steve Schultz, age 60, of Ainsworth, Iowa, died Saturday, November 26, 2011 at his residence after a battle with Bile Duct Cancer.

Celebration of life services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at the Jones Eden Funeral Home with services conducted by Sherrie Hazen-Hansen. Visitation will begin noon Tuesday at the Jones Eden Funeral Home where the family will be receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will take place at the Oregon Township Cemetery in Ainsworth, Iowa. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Steve's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Steven Craig Schultz was born February 7, 1951 in Washington, Iowa the son of Howard Fredrick and Ethyle Vinetta (Wilson) Schultz. Steve attended school in Ainsworth, Iowa and graduated from Highland High School in 1969. He was united in marriage to Sally Jo Patterson on August 18th, 1972 in Washington, Iowa. He was a life resident of Ainsworth.

Steve worked at Rath Packing in Columbus Junction until its closing in 1977. He was employed at the Iowa Department of Transportation from 1977 until 1992 when he started driving semi for Harold Dickey Transport of Packwood, Iowa until his illness in March of 2011. Steve was a 20 year retiree of the Iowa National Guard, 134th Medical Company of Washington, Iowa, a member of the Ainsworth Fire Department and was one of the original group trained as a Quick Responder through the Fire Department. He coached Ainsworth youth softball and baseball for 11 years as well as playing Slow Pitch Softball. Steve served as a Councilman for one term on the Ainsworth City Council and was past member of the Highland Booster Club. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and football, but especially loved sitting around the campfire surrounded by family and friends. His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life.

He will be missed forever by his wife Sally Jo of Ainsworth, Iowa; four children, Heather Schultz of Washington; Cassie Olson and husband Trent of West Chester; Waylon Schultz and wife Amanda of Ainsworth; and Austin Schultz of Ainsworth. He is also survived by grandchildren Kaitlyn Marie, Sarah Ellen and Payton James Schultz of Ainsworth as well as three brothers, Duane "Barney" Schultz and wife Rita Schultz of Ainsworth; Ronnie Schultz of Hedrick; George Schultz and wife Judy of Ainsworth; one sister Sharon Gillis and husband Roger of Ainsworth; one aunt Nima McClelland of Washington; 11 nieces and nephews and their spouses and 18 great nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Howard "Howdy" Schultz.