Donald Karl Schultz

Donald Karl Schultz, born on April 9, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana, to Harold and Emma (Detweiler) Schultz, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 79, at the Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana.

Don's academic journey began at John Adams High School in South Bend, where he graduated in 1964. He continued to pursue higher education at Manchester College, earning his undergraduate degree in 1968 while also expanding his talent and love for basketball on the court as a member of the Manchester Spartans during the 1966-67 season. This passion continued throughout his lifetime. Don then obtained his master’s degree from Miami University in 1969 and completed his PhD at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1976. His doctoral research was notably conducted in Munich, Germany, focusing on the significant impact of American international corporations on U.S. and West German foreign policies.

Don was a devoted energy analyst for the State of California in Sacramento and had a distinguished career as a college professor, sharing his knowledge and passion for education at institutions including West Virginia, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, Sacramento, and in West Germany. Between 1995 and 2000, he also served as a consultant to the state of Hawaii, further contributing to the field he loved. Additionally, Don was a proud Eagle Scout and continued his respect for the outdoors by professionally championing the environment while finding peace personally in nature.

Don married Wendy Metzger on May 19, 2012, in a ceremony held at the International Peace Rose Garden in Sacramento, California. They were introduced through a serendipitous connection—Wendy's cousin Devon, who had been Don's roommate during their college years and lifelong friend. Together, Don and Wendy built a life full of travel and adventure.

Always an early riser, Don regularly lived up to one of his many nicknames “Don at Dawn,” where he enjoyed his morning espresso and bird watching. He was known for his extensive travels across Europe, with a special fondness for Siena, Italy. His journeys took him to Hong Kong and Mexico, where he cherished the experiences and cultures encountered along the way, and fondly adopted another nickname, “Cabo Donaldo”. Don was passionate about woodworking, dedicating his free time to crafting small figurines that reflected his creativity and skill. During his time in Sacramento, he was often found enjoying the city and cafe culture on foot where he quickly amassed a collection of locals who all knew “Downtown Don”.

Always curious, Don’s playful banter created lasting connections with so many people he met. His endless quest for knowledge and individual perspectives on a variety of topics, found him in enriching discussions about politics, history, and personal experiences. Driven by an independent spirit, Don was happy to recall stories from the people he met, and the adventures he shared.

The loving memory of Donald Schultz will be forever cherished by his wife, Wendy Metzger, North Manchester; children, Ryan (Amira) Schultz and Travis (Erika Bridges) Nagle, both of Portland, Oregon, Lutricia (David Martin) Eberly, Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and Luke Eberly, Anderson, Indiana; grandchildren, Jad Schultz, Ashton Schultz, and Carson Eberly; sisters, Eileen Burry, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; brother-in-law, Ron Tebbe, Wooster, Ohio. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joanne Frye; and brother-in-law, James Burry.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Donald Schultz, memorial contributions may be made to either:

• International World Peace Rose Gardens, P.O. Box 15919, Sacramento, California 95852 or online at www.worldpeacerosegardens.com.
• Timbercrest, Memo “Wooded Trail Project”, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN 46962

The family of Donald Karl Schultz has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.