In Memory of Pearl J. Schultz

Pearl J. Schultz, age 90, of Ida Grove, Iowa, (formerly of Battle Creek, Iowa) passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Golden Horizons Assisted Living of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal Services will be held at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa.  

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove and Battle Creek, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Pearl J. Schultz, 90, of Ida Grove, Iowa, formerly of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Ida Grove, Iowa. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Pearl will be fondly remembered for her humor, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.  

Born on August 23, 1935, in Ida Grove, Iowa, Pearl was the cherished daughter of Jesse and Erma (Martin) Meyerdirk.  Her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, compassion, and integrity. She received her education in the Ida Grove Community School District and was baptized and confirmed in her Lutheran faith as a child in the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa.

On November 15, 1953, Pearl was united in marriage to the love of her life, Norman Dean Schultz, in the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. Their union was one built on love and partnership, defined by warmth, laughter, and strong faith.  Together they raised four children: Donald, Douglas, Denise and Dennis, on their family farm.  

Throughout her life, Pearl worked in a variety of roles that reflected her caring nature and skill in the kitchen. She cooked at The Chalet and Mary’s Kitchen, where her meals were well known for their comfort and home-cooked goodness. Beyond her professional work, Pearl poured much of her heart into her home and worked on the farm hand-in-hand with her husband.  In later years, she cared for many children, becoming a beloved influence in their young lives. Her presence was a constant source of warmth and steadiness in the lives of those she tended to.  She also had a love for fishing and selling bait to local fishermen and hearing all their “fishtales”. For many years she operated Schultz Bait Shop out of her home and she never missed that “big catch”. 

Pearl’s happiest moments were those spent surrounded by family and friends. Whether gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories, or enjoying a home-cooked meal, Pearl’s sense of humor and love filled every room she entered. She will be remembered as someone who brought light, laughter, and love to every situation.  

Pearl is survived by her four children: Donald (Kelly) Schultz of Estherville, IA, Douglas (Sue) Schultz of Battle Creek, IA, Denise (Dan) Grell of Hampton, IA, and Dennis (Chris) Schultz of Fonda, IA; 7 grandchildren: Amy (Mark) Forbes of Ida Grove, IA, Alyssa (Micah) Gearhart of Elgin, IA, Amy (Jason) Renneke of Bird Island, MN, Brian (fiancée Danielle) Schultz of Sioux Falls, SD, Jason (Nicole) Grell of Mason City, IA, Trent (Robin) Sorbe of Brookings, SD and Brian (Jen) Sorbe of Fredericksburg, TX; 23 great-grandchildren; brother Jim (Lynda) Wilcox of Alamo, TX; step-sister Linda Cozad of Acworth, GA; sister-in-law Delores Peffer of Battle Creek, IA; brother-in-law Kenneth Schultz of Seneca, MO; stepbrother Chuck (Carolyn) Chronister of Kansas City, MO; half-sister Marcia Danielson of Odebolt, IA; as well as many beloved family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.  

She was preceded was death by her parents Jesse and Erma Meyerdirk; parents-in-law Ben and Helen Schultz; husband Norman Dean Schultz; sisters Lois Sorensen and Rita Schwaller; half-brother Leo Wilcox; sister-in-law Beverly Schultz; brothers-in-law Harold Peffer, Bob Schwaller, Murel Sorensen, Herman Sorensen, and Russ Cozad; great-granddaughter Kysa Forbes; and great-grandson Izaak Renneke.