Erhardt Edward Schultz

Erhardt E. Schultz, age 78, of Apple Valley, closed his chapter on earth, peacefully at his home on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Tuffy was born on April 13, 1947, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Erhardt and Leona (Peterson) Schultz. He was the fourth child of 17 children. As the oldest son, he was a steadfast support for his brothers and sisters, guiding them with both a sense of responsibility and a streak of mischief. His nickname, “Tuffy,” came when he was just a toddler, and it stayed with him his entire life.

From an early age, he carried a strong work ethic that never left him. He graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany.

When he returned home, Tuffy’s life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Carol Lodermeier. From the start, he knew she was the one. They were married on July 10, 1971 and they shared 54 years of marriage, built on love, respect, and true partnership. Tuffy often spoke with admiration for Carol and never had a negative word to say about her. Even when the kids would grumble, he was the one who listened patiently, while always showing honor and kindness toward his wife. Together they raised three children, Jenny, Jess, and Justin, and built a home filled with love, patience, and respect.

Family always came first for Tuffy. He was a great provider in so many ways. He showed his love through his actions: filling up his kids’ cars with gas when they came home from college, checking under the hood to make sure everything was safe, dropping what he was doing to cheer them on at games or events, and supporting them in every way he could. He led by example, teaching his children the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity.

As a grandfather, he carried that same devotion. He traveled to see his grandkids, and delighted in watching their activities, thoughtfully creating experiences and spaces that reflected each child’s personality and interests, making them feel uniquely cherished. His humor especially shone with them, always teasing in ways that made them laugh and feel loved. Teaching them card games like 500 wasn’t just about the game, but about making memories they will always treasure.

At home, Tuffy and Carol were always a team. As his health declined, his patience never wavered. He took the time to show Carol how to handle the things he used to do, wanting her to feel confident and capable. Their children and grandchildren witnessed in their marriage a true example of commitment and standing by one another through every season of life.

Tuffy’s strength of character and giving heart extended to friends and neighbors. He was clever and ambitious, with a knack for building and fixing just about anything. His garage held decades of tools and treasures, and his backyard became a 45 year project that he proudly shaped into his dream space, where he warmly welcomed and mentored neighbors, family and friends. He found joy in simple things: yard work, spotless cars, garage sales, polka music, and card games.

Tuffy always valued connection when working on any project. He’d often ask for help by handing you a flashlight—but somehow, midway through the task, he’d inevitably end up holding it himself, leaving the rest of us a little puzzled and amused. That was Tuffy—quietly taking charge, even in the smallest moments.

Now and always, he’ll be the one holding the flashlight—our eternal bright light.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Carol; two daughters and son, as well as seven grandchildren who brought him endless joy: Jennifer and Ethan Aronson and their children, Miel, Elias, and Oliver; Jessica and Noel Saur and their children, Zachary and Noah; and Justin and Angela Schultz and their children, Parker and Mason.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jim (Deb), Lenny, Mike (Patty), Sue (Roger), Steve, Nancy, Lynn, Jeff (Lori), Scott, and Tim; his in-laws Kenny, Sharon, and Ann; his mother-in-law, Rosemary Lodermeier; and additional in-laws Tom and Cindy, Roger and Doris, Duane, Joanne and Mike, Dave and Claudia, Theresa and Mike, Jerry, and Jeff and Kilder. He will also be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erhardt Sr. and Leona; siblings Shirley (Jim), Bernice, Lorraine (David), Duane, Robert, and Larry; his father-in-law, Jerome Lodermeier; brother-in-law, Mike; and sister-in-law, Diane.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 County Rd 42 E, Burnsville, MN 55306, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Burial with military honors will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Those attending the burial are asked to meet in Assembly Area 4 by 1:45 p.m.