Obituary
Gene E. Schultz
Gene E. Schultz passed away at home peacefully on February 23, 2026, in the comfort and care of his wife of 44 years, Julie (Heiderscheit) Schultz. Whether you knew him as Gene, Mr. Schultz, Geno, or Coach, he will be remembered as a loving husband, proud dad and papa, and a devout Catholic.
Gene was born in Winona, MN on July 13, 1946 to Marvin and Irene (Valentine) Schultz. He loved fishing and sports from a young age. He was a standout multi-sport athlete at Cotter High School and as a senior was drafted by the Washington Senators baseball organization. He declined and instead went on to play college basketball and baseball, graduating from Winona State. In 1969, he accepted his first job as a teacher and coach at Kee High School in Lansing, Iowa, where he stayed for his entire career.
In 1981, Gene married Julie Heiderscheit. He celebrated their wedding anniversary each year by making her a special handmade gift with materials ranging from pennies to cotton balls. Gene enjoyed their home on the Mississippi where he and his family loved fishing and water skiing in the summer and ice skating in the winter.
Gene was simply the best Dad. When his four kids were babies, he would “fly around the house” with them, which was a tradition he continued with his 12 grandkids. He spent countless hours driving his kids to practices and basketball tournaments, pitching with them in their yard, and playing backgammon, Kubb, bocce ball, and scrabble. Later in life, despite living several hours away, he would be the one they called when they needed help moving or when they saw a mouse (his response: “the mouse is more scared of you than you are of it!”).
Gene had an extraordinary, 45-year teaching and coaching career at Kee High. Over the years, he built a baseball powerhouse that set numerous state and national records, and the National Federation of State High School Associations recognizes Gene as the all-time winningest high school baseball coach in the country. Although known for his coaching career, he was just as passionate about teaching physical education and health. His unique four-year rotating curriculum included everything from ballroom dancing to cricket to quad ball (Gene’s own invention), and each unit concluded with both written and performance exams that ranged from very challenging to impossible.
Gene was a stickler for rules and he had a long list of them for his athletes, his students, his own kids, and even himself (really everyone but Julie!). He had a memorable, dry sense of humor. He led quietly and by example and he held everyone to the same standard – their best.
In his retirement years, Coach Schultz turned into Papa Geno, as his 12 grandkids called him. He was a talented artist and many of his paintings are proudly displayed at his kids’ homes. He could build or fix anything (but always did it his own way!). He spent his time golfing, doing puzzles, playing board games, and tinkering around. He was a meticulous record keeper and an avid reader. He loved tracking sport statistics and keeping lists of all of the books he read. He was also a collector of ALL things (which was his one trait Julie could have lived without).
Gene was deeply religious. He attended daily mass for 30+ years and he quietly lived out his values each and every day. Gene’s passing during the Lenten season is especially fitting as he held it as a very sacred time.
Gene leaves his beloved wife, Jules; his four children and their spouses, Courtney (Ryan Stefani), McKenze (Nick) Maiers, Gabe (Sady), and Quin (Elizabeth); 12 special grandkids; his siblings, Mary Millett, Mike Schultz, and Rick Schultz (Mary Ann); many nieces and nephews; and the Heiderscheit family.
Although his family would have loved to celebrate his life and legacy with everyone he touched, his family is honoring Gene’s final wish for a private service. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting his family.
Gene’s family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Londergan and Dr. Undeland for the wonderful care they provided. His family also would like to extend their gratitude to the communities of Lansing and New Albin for supporting Gene throughout his career and for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Gene often asked why anyone would want to live anywhere else.
Northeast Iowa lost a Titan. He absolutely led quietly and by example, and how lucky we as his students and athletes were expected to be at our best. We won a lot of games, but we did it the right way, with good sportsmanship and humility. He wouldn’t have it any other way. I used to wonder why we had 9:00 pm curfews and would run laps after games even when we won, while other teams didn’t. Now I know why. Great coach, great teacher, and great man. We were so blessed for his guidance, and my deepest sympathies to his wife, children, and grandchildren. They have lost more than a Titan.
Hugs to Julie and family. so sorry for your loss. Your presence in our community has been missed since you left. My favorite memory of Mr. Schultz was him pass on all our school meat options every day, not just Fridays, during lent. Prayers for Geno…
Julie so sorry for your loss you are in our thoughts & prayers.
You wrote a wonderful obituary for Gene. He and I started teaching the same year – 1969 – at Kee High. We were roommates for several years. I appreciated our friendship. and have many memories of time together, including playing and coached basketball. I am sorry we lost touch over the years. God’s blessings.
My sincere condolences to the Coach’s family and friends. He was a legend and will always be remembered as the best coach and wonderful man. Julie, big hugs to you! He accomplished so much because of your endless love and support.
Coach Geno made me a better student, athlete and parent to my own family. What he taught me will be remembered forever. Watch over us from Heavenly ball fields above. Thanks Coach
Our business, Visual Sports Photography, had the privilege of taking Gene’s baseball and basketball team photos at Kee High School for over 20 years in the 1980’s and 1990’s and with all the time we got to spend with him, we saw a Coach with awesome respect from his players and fellow area Coaches. He was a teacher of life with a quirky sense of humor that we enjoyed. As your spirit goes on Coach, we were not able to go take that Baseball Team Photo up on top of Mount Hosmer.
My first teaching job was at Kee High where I met Gene. We had a faculty basketball team that played other adult teams around the area. Needless to say, Gene was the star! My condolences to his family.
My condolences to You Julie, and your family. Geno was a humble, gifted athlete, and coach, who has touched so many people with humor, and an example of how to live life. It was my good fortune to know him, I will always treasure our times together
Julie and Family… I want to send my sincere condolences to you all during this difficult time. Although I only was acquainted to Coach shortly, I could tell what very special person that he was. God Bless you all and may eternal rest shine upon him.
Love and prayers to the Schultz and Heidersheit families. Al Connor introduced me to Gene back in 1967 when we were going to college in Winona. Sanch and I loved to go to their basketball and baseball games. Geno could cover the infield all by himself. What a fun time to know him. He could always make me laugh. We would always ask him how he got so lucky to catch a New Albin girl. What a beautiful legacy he leaves. May he rest in peace with Al and Sanch.
We were neighbors to Gene, Julie and the kids for the many years they lived next door. Gene was always a wonderful neighbor and friend more than willing to help out at any time. We enjoyed many great times together and he will be dearly missed. Special memories include his love for fishing, playing ball with the kids in the front yard and his easy going personality. During my years as a football and track coach I would go to his practices and learn how a master of his trade was so successful. Our family sends its deepest sympathies to Julie and the rest of the family and God Bless!
Dave Jacobson
Julie I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending my love and prayers to you and your families.
Hi Julie,
Over the years I have often thought of our girlhood friendship with much fondness. Gene’s obituary was lovely, and although I am very sad for your loss, I was pleased to see that you and Gene had such a delightful life together.
Warmest regards and sympathies to you and your family
Anita (Carroll) Goellner