Max O. Schultz

A celebration of life service for Max O. Schultz will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford, Nebraska, with Pastor Eric Souer officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Oxford Cemetery in Oxfod with Military Honors provided by the Oxford American Legion Post #219 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Max O. Schultz, 81, of Oxford, Nebraska, passed away on March 26, 2025, after the sudden onset of a short illness. He lived his life fully right up to his final days.  He was born on April 2, 1943, in Oxford, Nebraska, to Emil and Ruby Schultz, one of six children.

Max was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He married the love of his life, Marjean Schubert, in 1968. They met while cruising 4th Avenue in Holdrege. Max took Marjean to the Regal Steakhouse for their first date after a friend dared him to take someone on a date. It turned out to be an excellent wager as they spent 56 sweet (mostly!) and wonderful years together and his friend had to buy him two slices of angel food cake (his favorite kind). Through this union they were blessed with six children and eight grandchildren. Max was steadfast in his dedication to his family.

Max was a passionate and hardworking farmer and rancher. He proudly continued operating his farm with his wife and sons, right up to his death, even buying bulls at a virtual cattle sale while hospitalized during his last weeks.

Max had many interests. He was an enthusiastic pinochle player. He played for years with dear friends in two card groups, with one group playing for 56 years, where he was known for having fun and laughing. He was dedicated to teaching values through 4-H, spending countless hours helping his children and grandchildren with their 4-H projects. At the height of his efforts, in one particularly exhausting year, he helped his five 4-H eligible children train approximately 38 animals to show at the Harlan County Fair. He also loved doting on his children and grandchildren, including traveling with Marjean many miles to attend their numerous events and routinely sponsoring grandkid four o'clock ice cream time, passing down the Schultz family trait of loving ice cream.

Max was a committed public servant. He was a Harlan County Board Supervisor for 12 years, ending his service at the end of 2024. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with honor and courage. His service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

He was a devout Christian, attending St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford, where he was baptized and confirmed. He also attended Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege.

Max fostered strong values of compassion, generosity, and kindness. He was known for his infectious laugh and willingness to help anyone in need. His unwavering loyalty to his family, friends, and community left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Max was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Donald, Darrel, and Bobby.

Max is survived by his wife, Marjean of Oxford; six children: Mary Beth Schultz and her husband, Allan of Washington, DC; Michelle Cleveland and her husband, Randy of Hastings, Nebraska; Matthew Schultz and Teri Jo Heckenlively of Orleans, Nebraska; Michael Schultz and his wife, Amber of Alma, Nebraska; Monte Schultz and Mandy Helms, of Holdrege; Mitchell Schultz and his wife, Danielle of Oxford; and eight grandchildren: Jadyn, Tanner, Anna, Mikah, Mara, Maddex, Marcus, and Maxton; his sisters: Judy Wilson and her husband, Tom of Boones Mill, Virginia; and Nancy Hunt of Omaha, Nebraska; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Max was the best role model, mentor, supporter, and teacher anyone could have.  The number one husband, father, grandfather, and farmer will be greatly missed but his legacy, values, laughter, and positive outlook on life will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Max's memory are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.