Ronald Merlin Schulte
Ronald Merlin Schulte, age 62 of Smithville, died June 26, 2018, following a farm accident.
Ron was born July 30, 1955, in Toledo to Lyle and Evelyn (Sander) Schulte. He grew up in Lake Township of Wood County, graduating from Lake High School in 1973. He spent his childhood helping his uncles with farm work. He then attended the OSU Agriculture Technical Institute, where he graduated with an associate degree in crop production in 1975.
Ron met his wife, Deborah Kaye Herold, at ATI, and they were married on June 29, 1975, at Bethel United Church of Christ of Beloit, Ohio. They started dairy farming near Marshallville and later moved to rural Pemberville (Wood County), where they dairy farmed for over 25 years. They later worked for other dairy farms in Northeast Kansas and most recently were employed on a dairy farm near Marshallville.
Ron was an active member of the community. He served on the Eastwood School Board for two terms, where he served as president during his tenure. He also served in several capacities within the Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Pemberville) and Saint Michael’s United Church of Christ (Marshallville), including most recently as church consistory board member.
During his lifetime, Ron served in many capacities with Milk Marketing Inc. Dairy Farmers of America, Farm Bureau and other farm organizations. He was passionate about his support of the dairy industry.
Ron had passion for youth involvement in 4-H and FFA; he helped to start the 4-H/FFA Dairy Beef Feeder program at the Wood County Fair. He was an avid supporter of his daughter’s involvement with local FFA programs.
Spending time with family and going to their events was an important part of his life. During his free time, Ron and his wife enjoyed attending local fairs, county music concerts and dairy/crop industry educational programs. They also collected International toy tractors and farm equipment.
Ron will be deeply missed by his wife of over 40 years and three daughters, Cathie (Justin) Olejniczak of Urbana, Sherrie (Robert) Pinkerton of Chilton, Wisconsin and Kristen (Nick) Burke of Cresco, Iowa. He is survived by his four grandchildren, Austin Olejniczak and Landon, Trevor and Addison Pinkerton, as well as his three step-grandchildren, Brandon, Brady and Sierra Burke.
In addition to his parents, also surviving are his brother, Dave (Darla) Schulte, and sister, Connie Schulte, both of Bowling Green; father-in-law, Robert Herold of Alliance; sister-in-law, Sharon (Tony) Ginnetti of Alliance; Diane (Allen) Hartschuh of Bloomville; and nieces and nephews.
Ron is proceeded in death by his mother-in-law, Irene Herold.
Friends may call on Monday July 2 at St. Michael’s Church of Christ, 22 E. Euclid St., Marshallville, from 1-3 p.m. The funeral service will follow the visitation, starting at 3 p.m. at the Saint Michael’s United Church of Christ.
Memorial contributions can be made to Wood County Clover Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 271, Bowling Green, OH 43402, or Saint Michael’s United Church of Christ, 22 Euclid St., Marshallville, OH 44645.
