Richard Virgil Schulze, 98, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Born on April 9, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, Richard was the son of Virgil and Beatrice (Sandiford) Schulze. A proud veteran, Richard served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In 1950, he married Margery in Chicago, and they were blessed with two sons. Richard later married Judith in 1974 in Wheaton, Illinois, and together they expanded their family, welcoming three more children. Richard dedicated his career to driving concrete trucks and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union. His passion for car racing was well-known in the Chicagoland area, and he spent many joyful hours as an avid boater, especially after relocating to Mountain Home in 1990. His love for cars extended to his active participation in the local car club. Richard also operated the Shady Grove Store for numerous years, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

He leaves behind a loving family: his children, Rick Schulze of Aurora, IL, Jeff (Anna) Schulze of Mountain Home, AR, Steven (Danielle) Schulze of Conway, AR, Randall (Darla) Luebcke of Milton, FL, and Tracy (Jeff) Lazar of Crystal Lake, IL. Richard was a beloved grandfather to nine grandchildren, Sharon (John) Sillitti, Jeff Schulze, Dawn Schulze, Ava Schulze, Grayson Schulze, Aubree Schulze, Brittney Luebcke, Gina Lazar, and Michael Lazar; six great-grandchildren, Emma, Landen, Jordyn, Zach, Alexandria, and Saviannah.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Judith, his brother, Vern Schulze, and sister-in-law, Jan Kutch.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, Mountain Home, Arkansas, officiated by Heather Marsalis. In honor of Richard’s life, memorial contributions may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind or Hospice of the Ozarks. Arrangements are entrusted to Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Guests are invited to visit the online obituary and sign the guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.