In the early morning hours of Thursday, October 24 , 2024 , NICHOLAS E SCHULTZ, originally from Lewiston, ID , was age 72 when he went down with a gallant fight against sepsis from aspiration pneumonia at the Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Hospital in Spokane, WA . His faithful little dog, Papi, was lying at his feet. His wife and step-daughter were at his side, holding his hands, assuring him that he was loved deeply and would b e missed b y all who knew him.

Nick is survived b y his devoted wife, Deborah Schultz; his only son, Nicholas L Schultz; Deborah's children: Faith Drake, Michael Garver, and Niki Moore; his treasured grandson, Alex Culley and his father, Bryan Culley; his family o f the Lewiston ID/Clarkston WA area: sisters June Benedict and Lynn Eddy, brother-in-law Jim Eddy, and nephews: Mat Eddy and wife Lorien , Nate Eddy, Sawyer Eddy, and Theron Watson; and numerous cousins; Deborah's family of the D FW area: father, William Sims; sisters: Pammy Truitt and Bob, Susanne Gallizzi and Ralph, Janet Simpson and Jon, Leslie Burgoyne and Kris Woolum, and oodles and boodles of nieces and nephews; and droves of buddies, friends, and neighbors. He was very much loved by all of them and he made sure they knew they were important to him.

Always full of energy and determination, Nick worked hard. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 1976 , having served in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, he started pipe lining in the south before joining a carnival traveling across the U.S. and Canada. He really had some great stories from those days! He lived a while in Columbus, OH, where his son was born and raised. Eventually, Nick settled in Mesquite, TX, where he took up working construction and a paint-ball side-gig with friends. That is where he met Deborah and began a whole new life with her always a t his side. Living in Texas for so many years, Nick liked to say that he was from Dallas and always wore a Dallas Cowboys hat. Those hats always sparked conversation and Nick loved to talk and tell stories.

Nick and Deborah were married 30+ years. He was the love of her life, her hero, and her champion. He gave her more joy and happiness than he ever realized. That is what he lived to do - bring her happiness - for he loved her so very much. He showed her the love of Jesus everyday by his kindness, gentleness, patience, and humor. As a self-proclaimed remodeling technician, if Deborah could imagine any change or addition to their home, Nick would make it happen - masterfully. Deborah kept him busy and faithfully cared for him in every way she was able. He loved her strength and she loved his spirit.

When he let go his last breath, Alex and Bryan had been at his side all night long with Deborah and Faith. Then, moments after Alex bravely left to go to work, Nick (aka " Boppi" to Alex) peacefully gave over his soul to Jesus, his Lord and savior, for whom he declared his love and faith, daily.

Nick was a good man, a great husband, a loving father, a devoted brother, and a loyal friend. All who knew him will miss his friendship and his love, loyalty, and laughter. Peace be with you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.