Margaret L. Shultz, 99, of Greene, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Clarksville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Private services were held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, with burial taking place at Rose Hill Cemetery. Counsell Woodley Funeral Home of Greene is caring for Margaret and her family.
Margaret Louise Azerski was born January 6, 1924, in Sexton, Iowa, to parents John Thomas and Daisy May (Pasley) Azerski.
At age 20 Margaret enlisted in the US Navy, Women’s Auxiliary Emergency Services (WAVES), April 4, 1944, in Charles City. She did a lot of marching, rain or shine, and studied many subjects, along with tests. Her regimen was chosen to march in formation for the movie ” Here Come the WAVES” with Betty Hutton and Bing Crosby. THey also sang the theme song “Join the Navy” for the movie while they were marching. Margaret really enjoyed her time spent as a Navy WAVE. She has always been proud and happy that she chose to serve her country when she was offered the opportunity to do so, and enabling a Navy man to do his part and serve his country.
On Valentines Day, 1945, Margaret received a package from her Army sweetheart, George Robert Shultz. It contained apricot roses, a box of beautiful handkerchiefs, and a marriage proposal. George called her and she had an answer for him – ‘Yes!’ Margaret and George were united in marriage on March 2, 1945, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Roger, Robert, Jean, and Carol. Together they raised their family and farmed near Marble Rock and Greene.
Margaret and George’s first home after they were both out of the military was a 400 acre farm 5 miles east of Marble Rock. George bought a Guernsey milk cow, which Margaret milked. They had no bathroom or car, no telephone or electricity, and no money. They furnished the home with her Navy bonus and with hand-me-downs from family. Their second home had electricity and running water in the house, and they bought a pickup and a telephone. They had a herd of cows, a herd of milk cows, a herd of beef cows, pigs, and Margaret kept a flock of chickens for meat and eggs.
In the summer, through the years, there was the annual Shultz Brothers’ Picnic with their families, usually at Perrin Park. There was plenty of good and favorite foods. As the kids were growing up, Margaret was busy on the farm. As they grew she had more time for church and community. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greene, in Bible studies, women’s circle, sewing circle, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, 4-H leader, Library story lady, volunteer at the Elementary School, and later in life enjoyed the “Red Hats.”
For herself she enjoyed: hand quilting and crocheting, then switched to camera, filling albums with photos of interesting shots and her family. Margaret also enjoyed water aerobics and senior women’s exercise class.
Margaret is survived by her children; Roger Shultz, Robert (Laurie) Shultz, Jean (David) Thorson, and Carol (Dan) Schroeder, grandchildren; Lance (Amy) Shultz, Ryan (Jennifer) Shultz, Garrett (Michelle) Shultz, Travis Shultz, Chad (Janice) Shultz, Chet (Bridget) Shultz, John (Christine) Shultz, Megan (Jason) Yearous, Stacy (Gretchen) Thorson, Tricia (Mike) Jaeger, Jesse (Amy) Thorson, Justin (Brooke) Schroeder, and Jace (Bethanne) Schroeder, 37 great-grandchildren in total, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George Shultz, and her sister Genevieve Sorenson.
The family would like to thank Margaret’s caregivers, friends and extended family for their kindness and generosity during this difficult time. Those planning a further expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the American Legion of Greene, the Greene Public Library and First Presbyterian Church of Greene.
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