Craig W. Schulting

Craig William Schulting, 57, of Mason City, IA, passed away from a heart attack on Friday November 22, 2013, at his home. A celebration of Craig’s life for family and friends will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 1st St. N.E., with Pastor Jeff Dahlin of Praise Community Church officiating. Per Craig’s wishes, he has been cremated and there will be no viewing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Salvation Army or the donor’s choice. Craig was born December 9, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Merl and Joyce (Launspach) Schulting. He attended school in Dubuque, Iowa until his family relocated to Mason City, Iowa in 1965. At 6 foot 6 inches tall, Craig excelled on the Mason City High School basketball court as a team captain, helping his team reach the state high school basketball tournament. After graduating high school in 1974, Craig took his competitive spirit to the University of Iowa where he enjoyed playing basketball at the intramural level on an all-Mason City team; members including his older brother, Kirk, future brother-in-law, John Rickoff, and many other Mason City High School buddies, for their team “Cold Rain and Snow”. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Craig headed to the ‘Windy City’ to pursue a career as a bond trader on the Chicago Board of Trade, where he owned a seat. Craig headed in on the L-train every morning at 6:00 AM to work the “bond pits.” In the mid-nineties, Craig returned to Mason City to join his family’s business, Joyce Schulting Realty, to work as a Realtor/Broker. Craig strongly supported Mason City by volunteering on the Mason City Housing Authority Board, and serving on the Mason City Board of Realtors. Craig’s latest business endeavors included building renewal and renovations, and independent stock and options trading. Craig was an intelligent, well-read individual who could often be found at the Mason City Public Library where he thoroughly enjoyed perusing the New York Times and finishing off its crossword puzzles. He was a kind-hearted, light-spirited guy who was always willing to lend a hand and give a big smile to those in need. Craig enjoyed landscaping, as well as his late dog/pal Jack, an affable Irish Setter. Craig will be dearly missed by his parents, Merl and Joyce Schulting, his daughters Meghan (Joe) Johnson, Molly and Emily Schulting, his siblings Kirk (Cindy) Schulting, Jill (John) Rickoff, nephews and nieces Shayla Cudd, Kevin Schulting, Jamison (Jamie) Rickoff, Jaclyn (Brett) Hopen, Jennalee and Jared Rickoff, uncles Vern Launspach and Bill (Donna) Launspach, aunt Dar Kirch, many cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Myrtle Launspach and Vince and Viola Schulting, and his aunt Shirley Lewis.