Schultz couple volunteers 'with a servant's heart'
EVERYDAY PEOPLE
CROSBY - Greg Meyer, a pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood, calls them "Ma" and "Pa" because they are always there when he needs their help.
Ken and Kathy Schultz of Crosby spend nearly every day volunteering at one Salem's many outreach ministries.
The couple, who have been married 10 years, volunteer at Salem WEST, the Mustard Seed Thrift Shop, the food shelf, Soup Kitchen and any other areas the church needs help.
Ken and Kathy Schultz stood among the mattresses at Salem WEST in Deerwood. The Schultzes spend most of their time volunteering at Salem WEST and other related ministries benefiting people in need.
Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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In his letter recommending the Schultzes for the Dispatch's Everyday People feature, Meyer said, "The greatest thing is that they do it (volunteering) with a servant's heart, loving every minute of it, when they themselves live a good, but very humble life."
Last March Ken was laid off from his job at Lexington Manufacturing when the company downsized, and Kathy retired last May from working as a care provider in a nursing home. They live in a modest Crosby home with their three dogs, Jack, Sally Ann and Corky.
"Our life pretty much revolves around dogs and church," Kathy said.
Kathy has four adult sons from her previous marriage, so now the dogs rule the roost.
"They're like our kids," she said.
Originally from Monticello, the Schultzes moved to Crosby in 2000. It wasn't until they started going to church at Salem that the couple really felt at home.
"This is where the good Lord wants us at this time in our life, it seems," Kathy said.
Ken and Kathy Schultz
Pets: Three dogs, two birds and a large aquarium full of fish.
Favorite breed of dog: Whatever is nice and lovable, Kathy said.
Hobbies: Kathy likes to garden and cans the vegetables while Ken loves to fish for sunnies and crappies. Together, the couple rides tricycles around Crosby and sits on a swing overlooking the backyard.
We're pretty much outside all summer long, Kathy said.
Cooking: Kathy loves to cook and bake, but once a week Ken makes dinner. On his menu: usually hamburgers or steaks on the grill.
Why they moved to Crosby: They got tired of traffic and the busy lifestyle of the metro area.
This is where we were meant to be, Kathy said.
Why they love volunteering: Kathy loves to be busy and Ken likes the social aspect.
With a passion for helping others, the Schultzes are always busy. At Salem WEST they take in, organize and distribute donations to those who need them. Currently, Kathy said, the ministry is need of furniture, including beds, dressers, couches and chairs, as well as household items.
At The Mustard Seed, a volunteer-run thrift shop where the proceeds go to Salem WEST, the Schultzes work as store clerks, pricing, organizing and arranging the wares.
Ken helps unload trucks at the Cuyuna Range Food Shelf, and Kathy makes quilt tops for mission teams to take to Honduras. Kathy also helps cook when there is a funeral at Salem.
"Every day of the week we're doing something," Kathy said. "We keep pretty busy."
When they are at home, Kathy enjoys quilting and reading, with a furry friend always nearby. Ken likes to work on jigsaw puzzles and helps several elderly neighbors by snowblowing their driveways.
"That's what you're suppose to do, help out fellow man," Kathy said.
Almost every day they take the dogs for a stroll around the neighborhood. With the recent cold temperatures, they're sure to put jackets on each of them first.
HEIDI LAKE may be reached at heidi.lake@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5879.