Dave Schultz

Age 65 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Lightways Hospice Inpatient Unit in Joliet, following a brief diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Born January 2, 1961, in Chicago, David Edward was a son of Edward Aloysius and Hazel Marie (Tinnell) Schultz. He was raised in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago and attended Orr High School. In 1980, Dave relocated with his family to Wilmington when they accepted a position as caretakers of Lake Will. He later graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1982.

On May 28, 1984, Dave married the love of his life, Elizabeth Bowie, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Joliet. Together they made their home in Wilmington, where they raised their daughter and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

In 1985, Dave began his career in insurance with Preferred Risk Insurance Group, and in 1995 he founded and co-owned Eaton and Schultz Insurance in Wilmington alongside his business partner, Dan Eaton. Together Dave and Dan provided trusted insurance services to countless clients in the community and local area. A business that will continue, carrying on the legacy he helped build.

An avid fisherman, Dave was a member of several bass fishing organizations, including Happy Hookers Bass Club, Illinois Bass Nation, and River Rats Bass Club, as well as the Fishers of Men Tournament Trail. In addition he was a boat captain for Minooka High School. Dave was a man led by faith, served faithfully in children’s ministry for more than 40 years and was currently attending Peace Chapel in Morris.

Dave was also active in his community, serving on the Wilmington Pension Board and participating in high school career days in both Minooka and Wilmington. He enjoyed sharing not only his career path, but also the “lures” of life, which included lessons learned through hard work, faith, and personal integrity.

Dave was extremely patriotic and deeply loved America and everything made in America.

He will be remembered for his “life lessons,” his mentorship, and his devotion to his family. Dave made it known that he did everything for “his girls,” and family was always his greatest priority. Nothing brought him more joy than becoming “GPA” and gaining his beloved “GK’s.”

Dave loved people. He was generous with his time, quick to help anyone in need, and always willing to give of himself. He was funny, sarcastic, and loved to make others laugh. He was a man of truth who believed strongly in standing up for what was right. Dave lived by the words: “Live a life so they don’t have to lie at your funeral.”

Survivors include his loving wife of 41 years, Elizabeth; daughter and son-in-law, Gabryelle and Rev. Kyle Walsh of Rootstown, Ohio; two grandchildren: Aniston and Abram; brother, Michael Schultz (Jan Brower) of Wilmington; sister, Debbie Schultz of Crest Hill, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Francine (Greg) Minton of Peoria Heights, Illinois, Rodney (Rhonda) Davis of Chillicothe, Illinois and Bill (Lora) Bowie of East Peoria, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Hazel Schultz, and two sisters: Judy (Russ) Zilinsky and Bobbie Spradling,

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, February 13, 2026 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday morning, February 14, 2026 at Christian Life Assembly, 2960 Division Street (Illinois Route 113) in Diamond from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:00 a.m. Rev. Spencer Duncan from Peace Chapel will preside alongside Dave’s son-in-law, Rev. Kyle Walsh.

Pallbearers will be: Dan Eaton, Jerry Olson, Jerry Sandretto, Kris Gaertner, Rich Kim and Ryan Olson.

Cremation rites will be accorded at the conclusion of the services.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Dave’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral and cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)