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.