Ronald C. Schutz

In Loving Memory of Ronald C. Schutz

“I have found no greater prayer than a smile, a true blessing, one given freely by children.” - Ron Schutz

Ronald “Ron” C. Schutz, age 79, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on August 9, 2025, finding peace after a difficult struggle with Parkinson's Disease.

He was born September 27, 1945, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by parents Joseph and Hilda Schutz, and adopted child Andrew (Andrea) Schutz. Survived by sister Yvonne (Thomas) Foster; brother Larry and spouse JoEllen Schutz; son David Schutz and daughter-in-law Jennifer Taylor; daughter Sara, son-in-law Guy Kitchell, and grandson Ferris Wolf; partner Linda Hall and her two sons, Muir Mulholland and spouse Erin, and Aza Muzorewa; adopted daughters Annika Schutz, Deborah Schutz, and Elizabeth Lieberman; as well as many family members, close friends, and colleagues.

Ron received his Bachelors in Philosophy/Education from St. Francis, Milwaukee, his Masters in Behavioral Disabilities, and later returned to school in his 50s to earn his Masters in Social Work with a focus on Aging/Cooperatives at UW Madison. He also became a qualified Family Child Care Provider through Madison College (formerly known as M.A.T.C.). Ron attended Queen of Apostles Seminary School in his younger years, and came full circle when he passed away on the same grounds where his old school once stood, surrounded by close friends, family, and under the care of the wonderful staff at Oak Park Place and Agrace Hospice.

While he felt strongly against war, Ron served as a medic from 1969-1975 in the United States Army Reserve, becoming a Conscientious Objector after his discharge. He dedicated his professional life to the State of Wisconsin, working from 1969 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, retiring at 71 as a Child Care Licensing Specialist. In these roles, he supported families statewide and worked to ensure nurturing environments for adults with disabilities and safe daycares for children. Ron spent much of his life writing grants, serving on boards and participating in projects he felt passionately about, advocating for community and environmental causes, and peacefully demonstrating for social justice and change.

Guided by his Buddhist-Quaker practice, Ron followed a path of mindfulness, compassion, and steady purpose. Often sitting in thoughtful stillness, he loved to sketch and reflect, breathing in his surroundings and exhaling each moment with a gentle smile. At times he spoke in what he called “mind mapping,” sharing creative ideas, teaching survival skills, forming close relationships, plus leaving a small footprint on the world but a big impact on everyone he met. He enjoyed dancing, canoeing, camping, and traveling with family and friends, but most of all he enjoyed bringing people together.

His passing leaves a deep void for those who loved him, yet the subtle wisdom, dry wit, and moments of youthful wonder he shared will linger in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held on his birthday, Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, at Madison Friends Meetinghouse, 1704 Roberts Court, Madison, WI 53711. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ron’s final resting place, where he was an early pioneer in its creation:

• The Farley Center Natural Path Sanctuary - which focuses on peace, justice, cooperative farming, and green burials.
2299 Spring Rose Rd, Verona, WI 53593
Tel: (608) 845-8724
Email: director@farleycenter.org Website: farleycenter.net https://www.facebook.com/FarleyCntr/

For those wishing to plan for their own future, please also consider using: • All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services - for green burial preparations.
4058 Lien Rd, Madison, WI 53704
Tel: (608) 442-0477
Website: 866allfaiths.com