Dennis R. Schuldt

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 2:45 pm

Dennis R. Schuldt, 77, of Decorah, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Wellington Place in Decorah.

Dennis was born Dec. 23, 1942, in Sumner, the son of Alfred and Pauline (Wendland) Schuldt.

He graduated from Sumner High School in 1961, then attended the University of Iowa and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1965 and he received his medical degree in 1969.

After a one-year internship at the University of Washington, he worked in the emergency department of Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco for six years. He then moved to Danville, Calif. working as a radiologist from 1979 to 1992, after completing a three-year residency.

Dennis moved back to Iowa (Decorah) in 1993 and worked for Gunderson Lutheran. He covered radiology in hospitals in Waukon, Elkader and Cresco. Later his job evolved into four days a week in West Union and one day in Prairie du Chien, Wis.

Schuldt had a profound interest in nature and did hundreds of bird drawings. He also wrote four family genealogy books and “Echoes From the Past,” on his hometown of Sumner.

Dennis was an avid Hawkeye fan. He was a key supporter of “Memories Forever” to help preserve the old Sumner High School, which was turned into a museum.

He also founded the Upper Iowa Museum.

He was inducted into the Sumner Hall of Pride in 2000 for his educational excellence, his 37 years in the medical profession, his life as an artist and service to the community of Sumner. He didn’t want to be remembered as a philanthropist. He wanted to be recalled as a boy who grew up in Sumner and never forgot his roots.

Dennis’ wish was to donate his body for educational and research purposes to the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. He also didn’t want any type of funeral service for himself.

Dennis is survived by his grandson, Chris Schuldt, of San Francisco, Calif.; brothers, Doug (Joyce) Schuldt of Grand Island, Neb. and David (Sherie) Schuldt, of Kirkland, Wash.; nephews: Dan (Brittini) Schuldt, of Doniphan, Neb.; Mike Schuldt, of Plattsmouth, Neb.; Barton (Liz) Schuldt, of Mill Creek, Wash.; Craig (Stephanie) Schuldt, of Snohomish, Wash.; and niece, Michelle (Roger) Poulsen, of Atlantic..

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shannon Schuldt; and his parents, Alfred and Pauline Schuldt.

Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, Sumner Emergency Medical Services, 901 West 1st St., Sumner, IA 50674 or Helping Service for Northeast Iowa (for Youth & Families), P.O. Box 372, Decorah, IA 52101.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.