Meredith Schulz

Sept. 24, 1946-Aug. 14, 2025

Rugby

Meredith Ann Schulz, 78, of Rugby, ND passed away on Thursday, August 14th at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND. She was surrounded by her family in her final days, and with her granddaughter Silje when she left us.

Meredith was born in Minot, ND on September 24th, 1946 to W.D “Bill” and Marjorie Johnson. She often told the story of the “baby boom” of that time, and being placed in a drawer because there were no bassinets left at the hospital. Her father was a banker, and they moved frequently. She grew up in several ND towns, including Minot, Cando, Jamestown, and Grand Forks. She graduated from Minot High School in 1964 and Minot State College in 1968, with a degree in Elementary Education.

Meredith began her teaching career in St Cloud, MN teaching 2nd grade. Her class sizes were over 30 students, and her duties included teaching PE and music. After two years, she took a job in Rugby, ND to be closer to her parents living in Cando, ND. She spent the rest of her teaching career in Rugby. Most will remember her as a first grade teacher with an organized classroom, taught with consistency, fun ideas, and love. She taught hundreds of children to read, introduced them to her love of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, and encouraged them to be their best. She was usually the first teacher preparing her room in the fall, and often there on weekends making sure she was ready for the week ahead.

Upon retirement, Meredith turned much of her extra time to her church, filling holes wherever she was asked. She assisted with summer bible school, Sunday school, folding bulletins, the 125th anniversary celebration in 2024, organizing funeral meals, and many other duties. She was known by many in town because she walked her dog, Linus, daily.

Meredith was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. She supported her children through their many activities, including concerts, performances, and meets, and encouraged them to work hard at whatever they did. Livestreams of her grandchildren’s performances were never missed. She never gave up the art of writing letters, which are cherished by her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook and always prepared the most wonderful meals at holidays and other times family gathered, with one of her beautiful place settings on the table.

Meredith is preceded in death by her mother and father. Her memory will live on in her daughter, Gretchen (Lucas) Kindseth of Grand Forks, ND; son Nicholas Schulz of Fargo, ND; grandchildren Silje, Aria, Wren, and Kjell Kindseth; brother Kent (Paula) Johnson of Warren, OR; niece Kimberly Wheeler and nephew Erik Johnson. She’ll also be missed by her beloved pup, Linus.

Memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church WELCA, or Heart of America Library, both in Rugby.

In Meredith’s memory, please have a piece of cheesecake with a good cup of coffee

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23 at First Lutheran Church in Rugby. Burial will be in the Cando IOOF Cemetery, Cando. Pastor Sharon Baker, officiating.

Organist: Pam Anderson

Special Music: Silje & Aria Kindseth (Vocal Duet) & Wren Kindseth (Harp Solo)

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby.

Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, August 23, 2025.