Mary (Van Asten) Schultz, age 67, Little Chute, our precious angel, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on May 13, 2026 with her loving family and friends by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of immense love, joy, and beautiful memories. She was the cherished wife of Timothy Schultz, with whom she shared 42 wonderful years of marriage.

Mary was born on July 13, 1958 in Little Chute, Wisconsin to Arthur and Bonnie Van Asten. On October 21, 1983, Mary married the love of her life Timothy Schultz at St. John’s of Little Chute. They had two beloved sons, Ryan and Jesse Schultz.

Mary was the best daughter, sister and friend and lived a life completely dedicated to lifting others up. She was the fiercest warrior and had a boundless love and warm welcoming spirit for everyone she met. She built a dedicated career at Miller Electric, working there over 40 years until her retirement. On the side, Mary was a talented photographer, beautifully capturing special moments and creating lasting memories through her photos of family and friends. She especially found peace and joy in her own backyard, where she loved watching the birds and deer, using her camera to capture the quiet beauty of nature.

She spent her days doing whatever she could to make someone else's life better, whether through a small act of kindness or a grand gesture of support. She was a gifted creator who loved to cook, bake, and crochet, sharing the fruits of her talents generously with family, friends, and neighbors.

Mary possessed a wonderful, unique sense of humor and a beautiful spirit that loved to laugh. Her joy was infectious, and she brought light into every room she entered. Mary was also a talented musician who played both the guitar and banjo, always loving to share her musical gifts to bring people together.

Mary’s greatest passion in life was her family. While she and Tim were not blessed with grandchildren of their own, they never lacked for any; they treated everyone as their own, pouring boundless love into their beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She is survived and deeply missed by her husband, Timothy Schultz and her amazing son Ryan; and her brother Jeff Van Asten (Maria) and their children: Riley Van Asten “Baby Bear,” Curtis Van Asten (Jessie) and children Henley and Colson; Erin Ebben (Brian) and children Hunter and Jaelynn. Sister-in-Law Lynn Van Asten (Mike) and children: Chris Van Asten (Jennifer) and children Miles, Pearce and Teage; and Sarah Remmel (Cory) and children Jolyn and Andilee. Sister-in-Law Connie Van Asten - Tim’s sister (Rick) and their son Zachary Van Asten (Kristin) and children Chloe and Landyn. Sister-in-Law Cathy Verhagen (Steve – Mary’s cousin) and their children: Nicole Laabs, her daughter Arielle “Sweet Pea” Verhagen and her son Jaxon Laabs; Dan Verhagen (Brittany) and children Karson and Brody. Sister-in-law Julie Zuleger (Dean) and their sons: Brandon Zuleger and Brady Zuleger (fiancé Carly Hall). She also leaves behind a beloved network of many friends and “partners in crime”. A few others Mary would like to recognize are Rick Brinkman, Cathy Brockman, and Betsy Vanden Acker.

Mary was reunited in heaven with her beloved son, Jesse; and her brothers, Mike Van Asten and Rick Van Asten along with her parents Bonnie and Arthur Van Asten and her mother-in-law and father-in-law Herman and Alice Schultz (who Mary treated as her own), grandparents and many other relatives and friends.

Mary was the ultimate party planner, always creating unforgettable gatherings filled with joy and warmth; heaven is undoubtedly having the best party now that she has arrived. We stand on God’s promise that someday we will meet again. Until then Mary will live on in our hearts and in the wonderful stories we have to share about the beautiful person we were blessed to have in our lives.

A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 5:00 with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating. Committal St. John Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers or traditional memorial gifts, Mary’s family is establishing a permanent memorial garden in her honor. The garden will feature purple tulips to represent the high honor and deep respect they hold for their sister, and yellow tulips to mirror the warmth, sunshine, and joyful laughter she brought to all of their lives.