Mark Edward Shultz was born on December 16, 1949 to Marion and Clarabelle Schultz in Helena, Montana. On Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Mark passed away comfortably and peacefully with Heather by his side.
In 1970, Mark joined the Army and valiantly served in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, Mark was a sniper in the 101st Airborne. He received metals for Infantry, 3 Purple Hearts, 4 bronze stars with clusters, Army Metal, Vietnam Badge, and Sharp Shooter Machine Gun Rifle. Mark was a hero.
Following his time in the service, Mark moved back to Helena and began work as a lineman for the phone company. Mark was a rebel who lived a fast life and greatly enjoyed riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Mark was ambitious in all that he did. He worked hard and was dedicated to his country though his military service. Mark’s artistic ingenuity and carpentry skills lead him to creating many beautiful works of art. Mark was a collector of many things from cars to artwork. Mark passionately supported the arts and his charitable contributions throughout the community will be greatly missed. Mark was a friend you could depend on and he was always ready to help out in any way he could. Mark was known for his off the wall sense of humor and unique jokes. Mark loved life and his vibrancy brought life to everything.
Mark is survived by his girlfriend, Heather Thumb, children Jason and Brianne, and friends Rick Hays, Wes Long, Fred Wong, and countless others.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials are suggested to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, MT 59602. Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Mark.
Larry Sem says
I haven’t seen Mark for 48 years. I only knew him for 2 months, while we were together taking basic training after being drafted in 1970. Along with another Montanan (Dewey Skunkcap) we quickly bonded and became inseparable during those 2 months. The three of us celebrated basic training graduation by taking the bus to Seattle and partying (nuff said there). After graduation we went our different ways. Mark and Dewey went “across the parade grounds” to advanced infantry training (AIT) while I went to the Public Information Office (PIO). I later heard that Mark and Dewey served together in Vietnam. If that was true, I was so glad that they shared their companionship during that very tough time. In addition, I was not at all surprised to read about all the accolades Mark earned while serving. I heard Dewey passed away a few years ago, and now Mark has joined him. How sad. When I moved to Helena I tried to re-connect with Mark, but was unable to do so. But I will forever remember how it was his determination and fortitude that helped me get through those rigorous and physically exhausting 8 weeks in company A42 at Fort Lewis Washington. Thank you Mark. RIP. I will never forget you.
Kevin M Collins says
Mark, I had been thinking about you last week and often wondered where you were and that you were OK,my dream was so real and now I know the answer, Thank you for your Service to our country and mankind. We ran together in High school and together late 1969 we went to the induction center Butte,Montana then off together to Ft.Lewis,WA for Army basic Training, I believe Mark was held back a week in training so I did not see him until summer of 1972 after my discharge, He was my friend and a good guy. I often think about him but was unable to connect the dots. May you rest in peace Brother
Kevin M Collins says
Heather,Jason and Brianne, I am truly sorry for your loss of Mark, and that I was never able to hook up with him when I was back home in Helena, I am to far away to be with you but am there In thought and spirit, May the good Lord lay his Peace and Grace upon you guys.
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Shultz family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Louise says
I’m so sorry for your loss I hope the words at revelation 22:3,4 bring you some comfort
Brianne Edgell says
I was my father’s only child…and I am my father’s daughter… miss you, dad. 😉
Gabriel Bailey says
Rest In Peace Mark <3 So glad I was able to find this article. Never got the chance to meet mark but I get told I’m exactly like him and would have loved to meet him before his passing. Courageous and missed hero, we thank you for your service Mark.
Brianne says
I am a Gold Star daughter. And I will make everyone remember. And a whole lot, more.
Brianne Lochner
Heather says
It means more than just words as you all share your ” Mark Stories”. My personal memories, are my life… 16 years. He was my EVERY day .Always he shall ring clear forever brightly burning in my mind. Even now, he is everything to me. I don’t let go. I f I could have taken his last breath and traded him mine, in that moment, at 2:22 without doubt,I would have. And you know why?? Because he would have took my life and lived it. I respect and am geeatful of every little creepy crawly spider or spec of dust, every blade of grass that makes me want to get out of bed and go mow. All that he blessed me with. The trauma of what I experienced was nothing in comparison of what he endured. His heart was too strong. As I watched each beat from the hollow of his kneck. which reminded me how We used to lay on the floor in quite and listen to each other’s heart beats.. He did not give up. Not at all. No matter how bad it got. This man was so incredibly intelligent he was still, regardless of brain cancer, ( in addition to more)able to communicate with me the final decision he would make, when was time. I had his medication with held for him to make this decision clearly as posible I asked him. And then I called the nurse to make him comfortable. And as the Dilaudid began to take hold,I told him” I love you. I do. It’s real. It’s true. Now ya know.” Then the only tear I ever seen (16yrs) slowly rolled over his cheek of his right eye. This once invincible man who has given everything to me made his desision. And, I would have died too had I missed the event of his death. And not a moment is he absent from me. I will never recover from the loss of him. And I appreciate all the stories I hope people continue to share. I’m not worried of him fading if you met him you wouldn’t ever forget it. And I bet that’s as close to immortality as one could possibly get.
Heather says
And to Gabriel. You are repulsive. I have vomited in my mouth right now. I hope you never see the light of day. You deserve everything you get. Don’t further continue such disrespect. The whole entire Universe is in absolute discuss that you would ever comment on this paige and will watch you choke on every single word. H
Brianne Schultz says
Who Gives A FUCK?! My Dad Left You The Suburban.. My Dad, Mark is a total asshole..
It is not your fault. I miss that Suburban MORE than Mark.
I Love you though.. hahahahaha
Brianne Lochner Radulescu (Edgell)