Carl Richard Schulz

Carl Richard Schulz, age 76 of Blanchardville and Foxboro, Wisconsin died on May 8, 2021 in the arms of his wife after a courageous battle with cancer, most likely brought on by his Vietnam military service and exposure to Agent Orange.

Carl was born on March 19, 1945 in Prairie du Chien, one of five children of Leonard & Florence (Thompson) Schulz.  They lived in the Eau Claire, and Portage areas.  He graduated from the Portage High School in 1963.  He moved to La Crosse and attended the UW-La Crosse.  Carl worked in many gas stations in his youth and young adult years, where he learned a lot about auto mechanics. 

Carl was drafted into the United States Army and served from November 30, 1966 to November 17, 1967.  He fought in the jungle in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange.  He suffered greatly from PTSD for the remainder of his life after that experience.  While in service Carl received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Sharpshooter Rifle Badge.

After his time in service Carl began working for the Chicago Northwest Railroad out of La Crosse and Janesville.  he loved working for the railroads outside, in a small supportive team, and loved the friendships he had with the other railroad workers.  He worked for them for most of his working years, and then worked for JP Cullen & Sons Construction out of Janesville for a short time.  During his working years he also enjoyed working on cars and engines for people out of his own garage.  This work was done at no charge, with people he was helping paying for only the cost of the parts.  Carl was a “friend of Bill W.” for 26 years, and was a selfless soul helping brothers of the Vietnam War.  He was a life member of the Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America.  Carl gave to countless charities and helped countless people during his life.  His greatest joy in life was becoming a father and grandfather.  Carl married the love of his life, Christine McGraw, on April 8, 2016.  Carl and Christine lived together in Blanchardville and Foxboro after they were married. 

Carl is survived by his wife Christine Schulz; his daughter Amanda Schulz; Christine’s children, Jamie Drake and Ashley (Todd) Miller; grandchildren Ashley Schulz-Lenz (Scott Edwin), Ryan Alexander, Ally Drake, Kyla Drake, Kaden Drake, Kameron Miller, Kynzli Williams Drake; his siblings, Jean (Ted) Latham, Robert Schulz and John Schulz; brothers and Sisters in law, Dianne McGraw, Pat McGraw, Milly (Dave) Babcock, Milissa (Jeff) Hoxtell, Tory (Dave) Meyer, Jim (Jodi) McGraw, Tom (Becky) McGraw and Shawn (Adriana) McGraw; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nancy Lanphier Loren, and brothers and sisters-in-law Rexine Adams, Margaret (Daniel) Lawinger, Robert McGraw, Mike McGraw and niece Mary Kay Woollen.

Carl’s last selfless act was to donate his body to science hoping to assist those who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. There will be a future burial with military honors in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.  The family wishes to thank UW Health Dr. Kyle Miner, and Dr. Kimberly Daniel for their care, and all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Agrace Hospice for their excellent care.

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