Obituary of Fredric Carl Schulz

Fredric Carl Schulz April 27, 1951 – September 18, 2022 Fredric Carl Schulz was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio to Vernon and Ida (Gingerich) Schulz. He joined his sister, Elise Johanna, and they later welcomed John Russell. The family moved to Cheraw, CO when he was one year old and he would attend Cheraw School from first grade to graduation. He loved sports and participated in football and basketball. He graduated in 1969, enrolled at Otero Junior College in La Junta, CO and later went to Kansas City, KS for certification in computer programming. In 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia (Gina) Trask. Fred joined the Colorado Department of Transportation in 1972 in Highway Maintenance working I-25 from Monument Hill to Denver and the couple moved to Castle Rock, CO. In 1977, they welcomed their daughter, Victoria Lynne. Fred encouraged his brother to join CDOT in 1978. That same year, after advancing to Senior Highway Maintenance, the family moved to Deer Trail, CO. In 1980, their son, Eric Christopher, joined the family. Fred was promoted to Maintenance Superintendent of Region 1 in 2003. Uniquely, three of the nine CDOT Maintenance Superintendents at that time were alumni of Cheraw School. This was something he was extremely proud of. They also happened to be the best of friends, which made for a great working relationship. He cared about his work, the state highway system, and his co-workers. He had a particular fondness for the CDOT Truck Rodeos, operating equipment, and driving the snow plows. In October 2008, after 36 years of service, Fred retired. He said at his Retirement Luncheon, “From the start of employment with CDOT until retiring I had the privilege to work with the best group of individuals one could wish for. I will always remember this time in my life.” After his retirement he worked briefly with FEMA and then became an Inspector for Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Outside of work, Fred would serve his community. He joined the Deer Trail Rural Fire Protection District for 25 years and had served as board president. He was elected to the Deer Trail School Board from 1984 to 1990. He was a member of the Deer Trail Jockey Club and enjoyed helping several Deer Trail ranchers and built life-long friendships. He liked taking his son and daughter along the dried creek bed looking for arrowheads or out for target practice. He was at all events and always took time to help practice, study, play catch or shoot hoops. His support of his children was lifelong. He loved his “little buddies” (his grandsons) and enjoyed continuing to pass on his wisdom, basketball tips and attending their sporting events. Fred could fix anything and talk shop with anyone. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to any endeavor. He developed a love for cooking. His hobbies included barbecuing with his ‘huge’ homebuilt smoker and perfecting his recipe for green chili. Elk and deer hunting was truly a passion, and he cherished some great fishing trips to Alaska. In the summer it was all about his garden and sharing the fruits of his labor. He built a greenhouse just for his tomatoes and was proud of his Armenian cucumbers. You could always find him tinkering on something in his shop. More than anything, Fred enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Fred’s legacy will be carried forward. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gina Schulz, daughter Victoria (Nick) Dickens of Strasburg, CO and son Eric Schulz of Deer Trail, CO as well as grandsons Alexander and Mason Dickens of Strasburg, CO and brother John Schulz of Granada, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ida Schulz, and his sister, Johanna Daubenspeck. A Memorial Service will be held October 15, 2022 at 11:00 am at Mountain View Fellowship, 1955 Headlight Road, Strasburg, CO. Memorial contributions can be made to your local EMT or Fire Department.