John L. Schultz, 76, lifelong resident of Decatur, IN, and former 2-term Mayor of Decatur, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, October 24, 2025. He was born in Decatur on July 8, 1949, to the late Leo and Cordelia “Corky” (Worthman) Schultz. On July 12, 1969, he married Brenda Cochran.
He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and was a 1967 graduate of Decatur Catholic High School. He was drafted into service with the United States Army and served a tour in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged.
John earned an Associate degree in Business from the International Business College in Ft. Wayne. He worked in the family businesses, Decatur Ready Mix and Baker & Schultz, where the family took pride in bridge construction for many years. John was president of Baker & Schultz from 1980-2007. He served 4 terms on Decatur City Council and was elected Mayor in 2007. He then served as Mayor through 2015.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was a past Grand Knight. He was also a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, and Decatur Optimist Club. He was on numerous boards, including Decatur Bank & Trust, Decatur Park Board, and the Board of Works.
John was known as a humble man with an exceptional work ethic. This was evident during the years in his family businesses, and as Mayor. Although anyone who knew him also knew his ornery side! He sure had a way of teasing family and friends. Leisurely, he enjoyed golf, bowling, and traveling. He especially had a passion for two things: Family and Decatur. He was such a special person in the lives of his siblings, in-laws, nephews, nieces, children, but especially his wife and grandchildren. He would travel on many excursions and weekend getaways with Brenda over the years. He started what became a popular spring break destination for many relatives and friends at Ft. Myers Beach after discovering a perfect little “village” of condos. Above all, his pride and joy were his grandchildren. He never missed a sporting event or activity. He helped run the kids to practices, took them on “back to school” & spring break shopping sprees, had them on the golf course starting at young ages, took them to NFL & MLB games, amusement parks, and the list is endless; he even put a pool in just for his grandkids!
Aside from family, he had a passion for our community. Much of what is seen in Decatur today, especially the downtown revitalization, can be attributed to his foresight and vision. He strived to make Decatur a place of industry and innovation, and a place for drawing people to settle here to build a future. He certainly made a forever impact on the city he loved, Decatur!
John is survived by his wife of 56 years, the love of his life, Brenda Schultz of Decatur; son, Mike (Trish) Schultz of Ft. Wayne; daughters, Becky (Joe) Ruble & Lisa (Josh) Mills both of Decatur; 7 grandchildren, Olivia & Sophie Schultz, Jon & Isaac “Ike” Ruble, Emma, Katie, & Ben Mills; 2 brothers, Tom “Hoss” (Sandy) Schultz & Bill (Kellie) Schultz both of Decatur; 4 sisters, Gerri Matheny of Ossian, Mary (Danny) French, Jane Beery & Joyce Schultz all of Decatur; sister-in-law, Ann Schultz of Decatur; also Brenda’s family, sisters-in-law, Debbie (Willie) Hackman & Becky Cochran; brothers-in-law, Jim (Becky) Cochran, Kim (Teresa) Cochran, Kent Cochran, all of Decatur, & Jeff Cochran of HI; & many beloved nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Dave, Mike, Jim “Barney”, & Fred Schultz; 3 brothers-in-law, Otto Matheny, Mike Beery, & Kevin Cochran; sister-in-law, Bonnie Schultz; father & mother-in-law, Jim & Janet Cochran; nieces, Jennifer Beery & Michelle James; & nephew, Eryk Heck.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 1:30 p.m. Attire is casual.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Jacob Runyon presiding.
Burial will immediately follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, with Military Graveside Rites rendered by the American Legion Adams Post 43 Color Guard.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, Decatur Main Street, or the American Legion Adams Post 43 Color Guard.
Arrangements are entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
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