Richard "Tony" Schulze

Richard Anthony “Tony” Schulze died suddenly in a vehicular accident caused by poor road conditions on Friday, January 16, 2026. He was born on June 24, 1971, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Tony was the son of Richard H. Schulze and Jean A. Montgomery (formerly Schulze; née Kelsey). He grew up in rural Richland County, where his family lived and worked on his grandparents’ farm alongside his sisters, Betsy and Rosey. When Tony was seven years old, while riding home from church with his mother, he asked her, “Mom, how do you get saved and go to heaven?” She replied, “You ask God to forgive you of your sins and ask Jesus to come live in your heart.” Tony bowed his head and prayed that very prayer. From that moment on, he strove to live a life pleasing to God. Tony loved growing up on the farm, and dairy animals were a central part of his life. He was a member of the Ithaca 4-H Club and showed dairy cattle at the Richland County Fair, earning several top awards. One year, he exhibited a Holstein heifer at the Wisconsin State Fair, where he won the top award in his category and was featured on the front page of the state paper. He attended Ithaca Schools, and during his later grade-school years he began playing basketball for the Ithaca Bulldogs. After growing nearly ten inches in one year, he reached a height of 6’6” and played center throughout high school. He earned numerous trophies, including an All-Conference award. Despite his success, Tony never sought personal recognition; he was always focused on supporting and encouraging his teammates. When the Schulze family sold their dairy herd, Tony turned his attention to a small flock of sheep, which he showed during his final years in 4-H. During this time, he worked at the Richland Center Foundry while attending Southwest Technical College. He later worked for two hog farms and briefly at a local orchard before beginning employment at Elm Grove Dairy. Tony remained there through several ownership changes—Land O’Lakes, Dean Foods, and finally Schreiber Foods—working a total of 27 years. Tony met the love of his life, Cindy Bonnin, in late 1990. After a playful beginning, they were married on November 13, 1993. Together they were blessed with nine living children and two children who preceded him to heaven. Over the years, they raised various sheep breeds, operated a commercial dairy goat milking operation, and cared for pigs, chickens, turkeys, and many other agricultural projects. There was always something being built, raised, or improved. Tony encouraged his children to participate in 4-H animal projects so they could experience the same joy he had known in his youth. When his children were young, he faithfully brought them to support their cousin Jon at high school basketball and football games. As his own children grew older, Tony attended nearly every activity they were involved in—football, basketball, wrestling, track, cross-country, soccer, school plays, and performances. He was always present, always supportive, and often the loudest voice in the crowd, cheering and clapping until heads turned and ears rang. Tony was a true animal showman with a remarkable eye for quality livestock, a gift that made him an excellent and highly respected animal judge. He especially loved judging children’s shows, where his patience, fairness, and kindness shone. He took time to teach while judging, often encouraging young exhibitors who might otherwise have quit. His gentle guidance helped many children grow in confidence and continue showing animals successfully. Tony judged at numerous county fairs, the Central Wisconsin State Fair, and events in Belmont, Fennimore, and beyond, often being invited back year after year. Another meaningful accomplishment in Tony’s life was coaching basketball for his children at Eagle School. He also served as a referee for basketball and volleyball games, further giving back to the youth and communities he cared so deeply about. Winning a popularity contest at work earned him a weekend away in Green Bay. He watched a Packer game from the 50 yard line in a private heated box. and toured Schreiber Foods headquarters and the original plant. It was an unforgettable experience that his wife will cherish forever. His children will greatly miss the years they would have had to continue getting to know their dad. Likewise, his wife Cindy grieves alongside them, holding onto God’s comfort as she mourns the moments they will never share together. Survivors include his wife, Cindy Schulze; 9 children, Michael, Daniel, Anne, Nicole, Joy, William, David, Benjamin and Isaac; father, Richard Schulze( Helen Palm); mother, Jeanie (John) Montgomery; 2 sisters, Elizabeth “Betzy” Schulze (Jason Winch) and Rosey (Leo) Orsburn; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his 2 children, Victoria Christine and Jonathan Andrew. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11am with visitation from 9am until the time of the service at New House Richland with Pastor Mike Breninger officiating. The Clary Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family. Cindy will be making a book of memories for the children to remember Tony and to learn who he was better. Please send memories, stories and and pictures to Tonymemories444@yahoo.com You can remain anonymous if that helps. .

Richard "Tony" Schulze

June 24, 1971 - January 16, 2026