Thomas Henry Schultz

Thomas Henry Schultz, born on October 27, 1962, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Wabasha, MN, passed tragically from a large tree branch unexpectedly falling on him. He was in his favorite place, the woods, and doing his most favorite activities, helping woodland animals and habitat while also helping another person who wanted this for their woods.

Tom grew up in Alma, WI, where he graduated from Alma High School in 1980 before earning an Associate Degree in Marketing from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. His life’s work was devoted to conservation; for 37 years, he served Buffalo County Land Conservation with unwavering dedication. Over the course of his career, he designed and coordinated more than 900 erosion control structures and spearheaded over 1,600 conservation projects, including the Rose Valley and Waumandee Creek Watershed Projects. He planted thousands of trees and helped landowners do the same. His efforts safeguarded farmland and communities, while preserving the natural beauty of the region he cherished. In recognition of his contributions, in 2002 Tom was honored with Wisconsin’s Outstanding Land Conservation Technician award, and a plaque from Buffalo County commemorating, at that time, 17 years of distinguished service. Beyond his professional achievements, he found joy in sharing his knowledge with younger generations, working closely with Alma area schools to educate students about sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. 

Tom's love for the outdoors extended far beyond his career—it was woven into every aspect of his life. A passionate deer hunter and dedicated conservationist, he took great pride in cultivating habitats for wildlife—especially deer, bluebirds, and ducks—ensuring that future generations could experience the same wonder he found in nature. His hands shaped many of the stone walls in Alma, as well as fire pits crafted for gathering friends and family under open skies. With a chainsaw always within reach, Tom transformed landscapes with purpose and skill. Closer to home, he enjoyed building anything that could be built with a chainsaw. 

A storyteller at heart and a jokester by nature, Tom had an undeniable gift for bringing people together and making a fun experience for everyone. Some of what he said would be true, though you’d never know for sure. Whether around a poker table or shaking dice, laughter followed wherever he went. "Wanna shake, wanna bet, yuuuup?" were some of his favorite phrases. Tom, we never would have bet on this.

Tom had a generous spirit that knew no limits—splitting wood to fill friends’ sheds before winter’s chill set in, clearing roadways to prevent accidents, maintaining recycling bins when needed for local establishments, all without ever seeking recognition for his efforts. His motto was to "get things done." The grass did not grow under his feet. When socializing and Tom would be ready to leave, he would just leave. Not to waste time with goodbyes, one would soon realize he was gone and wonder where he went. We are all left now in this same predicament.

Service to others defined much of Tom’s life beyond conservation work. He spent over a decade as a firefighter with the Alma Fire Department and dedicated 34 years as an ambulance driver for Western Buffalo County Ambulance Service—a testament to his deep commitment to the community. He had an extraordinary talent for community fundraising, selling fundraising raffle tickets for White Tails Unlimited, and really any community organization that had raffle tickets to sell. Tom was a founding member of the Buffalo County Quality Deer Management Association and an active lifetime member of the Alma Rod and Gun Club, organizations that reflected both his passion for wildlife preservation and his camaraderie with friends.

Tom is survived by his wife, Aimee (Ebersold) Schultz; sons Trevor and Hunter; their mother Victoria (Wenger) Schultz; brothers Daniel and Bruce; aunts Gloria Schultz and Teresa Rebarchek; as well as many cousins who will carry forward memories of shared adventures and laughter-filled gatherings. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Christian Schultz; sister Suzanne; and numerous extended family members who welcome him home with open arms.

Tom lived boldly—with action and left behind a legacy rooted deeply in hard work, generosity, and an unshakable love for nature's wild places. Though he has stepped away from this earthly trail into one unseen by us now, those who knew him will forever hear echoes of his footsteps among rustling leaves, feel his presence with the call of a barred owl, remember his generosity when standing beside a campfire, and feel his love of life in every sunrise.

May we honor Tom not just by remembering but by continuing what he started—caring fiercely for our land, our communities, and each other. Lucky Schultz, I guess it’s our turn now to shake the dice cup and "bring it back." 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alma. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel and again at the church on Friday from 12:00 PM until the hour of the Mass.