Bernard E. Shultz

Bernard E. Shultz, 94, of Benton, died Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, PA.

Born June 22, 1931 in Bloomsburg, PA he was a son of the late Ralph Shultz and Helen (Hill) Shultz McHenry. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice L. (Souder) Shultz, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

He was a 1949 graduate of Bloomsburg High School and then graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College in 1958 having also attended Drexel University for one year in their Engineering program.  He later earned his Master of Education from Bucknell University. 

Bernard faithfully served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean conflict.

Bernard worked in education for most of his life. He was a Math Teacher and Principal at Berwick Area School District; the Superintendent of Schools for the Benton Area School District for 10 years after serving as High School Principal for two years, retiring in 1986.  He is fondly remembered by many students as an excellent teacher with a stern, yet caring disposition.

He was an active member of Benton United Methodist Church where he served as a Lay Leader and in later years attended the Benton United Presbyterian Church. Bernard also served as a Lay Speaker for other area churches.

He was a member of the Knapp Lodge No. 462, F. & A. M. in Berwick, Caldwell Consistory of Bloomsburg, and the Bloomsburg Area Barbershop Chorus.  An avid outdoorsman, he was a member and past president of West Creek Rod and Gun Club.  He took great pleasure in using his wood shop to make toys for his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Janice, he is survived by three children: Eugene (Debra) Shultz  of Hawley, PA; Robert Shultz of Waterloo, NY; and Patricia (Chris) Bankes of Exton, PA; Grandchildren Alexandria (Richard) McCulloch, CJ Shultz, Zachary Shultz, Ariana (Gregory) Herrmann, Dani Shultz, Stephanie (Matthew) Lashner, and Rachael Bankes; Great Grandchildren Charles McCulloch, Mabel McCulloch, and Lincoln Bernard Herrmann; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Howard Shultz and Robert Shultz.

There will be a memorial service held, Friday, October 3, 2025; 11 a.m. at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton, PA. There will be a visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. where the family will receive friends. Interment at the Benton Cemetery will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center, 42 Community Drive, Benton, PA 17814.

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Shultz Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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