Stephen Schultz

Stephen A. Schultz, 66, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, and formerly of Glasgow Village, Missouri, passed away at 7:54 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 28, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri, Stephen was the son of the late Robert and Lorna (Marshal) Schultz. On December 30, 2007, he married the love of his life, Gina (Morales) Schultz, in Granite City, and together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and devotion.

Stephen was a master of his craft — a skilled machinist and artisan who devoted 45 years to his work as a tool and die maker. He was employed with Chelar Tool & Die in Belleville, where his dedication, precision, and work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike. He was also a proud member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2722 in Wood River.

In 2014, Stephen and Gina joined the Caboholics travel group, forming lasting friendships and enjoying many memorable trips to Cabo San Lucas. Those adventures reflected Stephen’s love for good company, laughter, and the joy of shared experiences.

A talented musician, Stephen found happiness in playing his guitar and carried a lifelong passion for sports. He spent countless hours in his Man Cave practicing classic rock songs. He especially enjoyed playing sports throughout his childhood, a passion that stayed with him all his life. He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Alabama Crimson Tide and loved following teams and statistics, though he especially enjoyed cheering on his grandson Leo’s baseball team The Wildcats.

At home, Stephen was the one everyone relied on — the family mechanic, problem-solver, and steady presence who was always fixing, building, or helping someone in need. He never missed a Wildcats baseball game, activity, or milestone. He enjoyed the fun mysteries of life, from searching for Bigfoot to watching classic films starring John Wayne or the adventures of James Bond, often while relaxing with a cold Michelob Ultra.

More than anything, Stephen cherished his family. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyalty to those he loved, and his exuberant, contagious laugh that could light up any room.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by five children and their spouses, Melanie Shanika of Ballwin, Missouri; Samantha and Leo Kelly of Highland; Brittany Morales of Collinsville; Jacob Morales of Granite City; and Abigail Piechocinski of Glen Carbon; seven grandchildren, Leo Jr., Violet, Emmet, Marin, Stephen, Archie, and Franklin; six siblings and their spouses, Robert and Dawn Schultz Jr. of St. Peters, Missouri; Cheryl and Tony Palazzolo of Wentzville, Missouri; Anna and Greg Hoss of O’Fallon, Missouri; Veronica Loseman of St. Charles, Missouri; Karen and Doug Werle of Arnold, Missouri; and John Schultz of St. Charles, Missouri; two brothers-in-law and spouse, Ronald and Stacy Morales of Troy and Shawn Morales of Fairview Heights; his best friend, James Longenecker of Florissant, Missouri; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Stephen’s legacy of kindness, humor, and steadfast love will live on in all who knew him.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 12:00 noon until time of a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Following the service, the celebration will continue at the Wood River Eagles from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the family and accepted by Irwin Chapel to provide for the needs of the 12u Illinois Wildcats baseball team.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home