Larry 'Shag' Allen Schulz, 77

Larry “Shag” Allen Schulz passed away peacefully at the Tobacco Root Valley Care Facility in Sheridan, Mont., on Nov. 17, 2013, four years after a severe stroke.  

Larry was born in Sheridan on Sept. 30, 1936, to Lawrence Schulz and Juanita Glaser Schulz. He grew up in Sheridan with his older brother, Norman Schulz, and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1954. Larry participated in all types of high school activities and athletics, including playing baseball in Butte when he also worked in the Butte mines. Larry was honored with his induction into the Butte Athletic Hall of Fame.   

Upon graduation, Larry went to the University of Montana on a full-ride baseball scholarship where he was active in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Larry played semi-professional baseball for the Bellingham Bells until he suffered serious injuries in a car accident. Larry returned to the University of Montana where he completed degrees in history and math in 1958 and went on to complete a master’s in school administration in 1959.

He married Vicki (Fey) Schulz in 1964 and they had two children, Derek and Katie.

After beginning his teaching career at Great Falls High, Larry and his family moved to Kalispell in 1968 where he was a counselor at Linderman Junior High and Flathead High School from 1968 to 1969 and from 1970 to 1985. “Mr. Schulz” was first vice principal and then principal.

Larry eventually finished his career where he started, as the principal of Linderman, until he retired in 1991. “Mr. Schulz” spent many hours at his schools helping and supporting kids and teachers and warmly greeted the students when he walked the hallways and cheered them on at their activities. Larry also spent many years coaching local baseball teams and never missed a Flathead High sporting event.

He participated in civic organizations in the Flathead such as the Optimists Club, of which he was regional president, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Larry was chosen by the National Association of Principals to represent Montana at the United States Congress for several years.  

Upon his retirement, Larry enjoyed watching all sporting events, hunting and fishing, and being part of the Back Country Horsemen organization and the Flathead County Sheriff's Posse. Later in life, Larry spent winters in Mesa, Ariz., and enjoyed traveling to see old friends and family and, of course, making plenty of new friends. He never missed a Grizzly football game and truly loved his alma mater.

Larry is survived by his son, Derek Schulz, and daughter, Katie Schulz, as well as his three granddaughters, Marlow Schulz, Allie Schulz and Lauren Schulz; and his niece, Vicki Hudson, and nephew, Mike Schulz.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Norman.

There will be a memorial Service for Larry at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Bethel Church in Sheridan.

Please direct any memorials to the American Legion Baseball Organization, Tobacco Root Valley Care Facility, or Sheridan QRU.

“As we reflect on Larry's life and achievements, we will always remember his love and appreciation of the outdoors, his dedication to education, and how he went out of his way to lend a hand when needed. So when you are riding horseback, fishing, or cheering on your baseball team, think of Larry.”