Lorene Schultz

Lorene C. Schultz

June 25, 1933 – March 19, 2025

MADISON – Lorene C. Schultz, age 91, passed away at home on March 19, 2025. Lorene was born in Janesville, Wis., daughter of James J. Shea and Lorene E. Pendergast Shea.

From her childhood, Lorene still proudly displayed the trophy she’d won as “Little Miss Janesville 1936”. In High School, she acted in plays, sang in the choir, and was voted Homecoming Queen. From there, Lorene was employed at General Motors, where she gained skills in accounting and typing.

She married Russell F. Schultz on May 15, 1954. In 1961, she moved to Madison with Russ and their 4 children. The family purchased a home in Westmorland, and she loved the neighborhood. Many will remember the epic 1960s July 4 celebrations at the park, the era of unlocked doors, and kids riding bikes well past dark.

Lorene was a great mom, Girl Scout Leader, and loved to bake sweet treats for her kids. She will be remembered for her years as “the head lunch lady,” at Queen of Peace Grade School in Madison. She knew every kid in the school. When our classmates would throw pizza-burgers at lunchtime, we were afraid she would embarrass us by yelling at them. She never did.

She then moved on to Cuna Mutual, (now TruStage), where she was employed for 26 years in the Pension Department, until her retirement in 1998.

Lorene was very active in the church, sang in the choir and found life-long friends in the “Queen of Peace Campers”. The family took many camping and car trips. All remembered for their enduring scenery and inevitable car trouble.

Lorene is survived by her 4 children: Kathy (John), Ginny, John (Bette) and Mary Jo. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Tim Morschauser (Sarah), Katelyn Franklin, Stephanie Schultz (Brandon), and David, Tyler and Hunter, as well as 7 great-grandchildren. Lorene also leaves 2 brothers: Tom Shea (Sandy), Bill Shea (Dolly), sister Mary Schoeberle and sister- in-law Arlene Shea, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many good friends.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Russell, brothers Jim Shea, John Shea (Mary) and brother-in-law Pete Schoeberle.

Visitation will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr, Madison, WI., on Wednesday March 26, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, with funeral mass at 11:00 and luncheon immediately following. Burial will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 27, at Milton Lawns Memorial Park in Janesville Wis. She will be laid to rest beside her loving husband of 51 years, Russell F. Schultz.

Many thanks to all who knew and befriended Lorene. You meant the world to her.

A special thank-you to Gabby and all the Agrace staff for all their kindness and support.

Cress Funeral Home

Speedway Road

608-238-3434