Flynn G. Schulz, 33, of Davenport, IA passed away early on August 31, 2013.
He came into the world weighing less than six pounds, but rose to every challenge then sought more. He served his country, inspired others, and lived life on his terms and to its fullest.
Born in Fargo, North Dakota to Rick and Pam Schulz, Flynn grew quickly and he grew strong. He moved with his family to the Quad Cities when he was two, and attended Garfield School and Moline High School where he played soccer with significant success. He enlisted in the National Guard in 2000 and was deployed to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2006.
Flynn served as a Sergeant and Team Leader in the A2-123D Field Artillery. He was stationed at Camp Liberty near Baghdad. He led his team as they patrolled Iraqi roads and neutralized IEDs, provided security, and escorted others. He was relied on as a leader and trusted as a friend and comrade. He was honorably discharged after seven years of service, then earned a Bachelor of Arts from DeVry University. He worked at the Rock Island Arsenal JMTC as a project manager.
Flynn could be found outdoors in any weather. He was a natural athlete and a fierce competitor. He played soccer, volleyball, and relished testing his limits in extreme sports.
Flynn won the Sylvan Island Stampede mountain bike race in 2009. He completed the 50-mile North Face Endurance Challenge in Kettle Moraine State Park in Wisconsin, and then ran the same distance a week later in Hell, Michigan. He participated in the World's Toughest Mudder in 2012, ran the 150-mile Potawatomi Trail Run near Pekin, Illinois, and completed numerous road races including two relay races across the state of Iowa. Two weeks before his untimely death, Flynn completed the Leadville Trail 100 ultra-marathon in the mountains of Colorado in fewer than 30 hours, a feat which few ultra-runners accomplish. He ran all of his races for Team Never Forgotten, a charity which supports the Wounded Warriors Project.
For all his athletic accomplishments, Flynn took the most joy from cheering on and supporting others, and from seeing them strive for goals and surpass them. He was a reliable presence wherever his friends were running or riding or racing. If he wasn't running alongside in support, his victory growl could be heard calling runners to the finish line with the promise of a bear hug to follow. Immediately after completing the Leadville 100, Flynn requested the race calendars of all his friends "5Ks, marathons and everything in between," so that he could support their endeavors. He always encouraged others, was known for extravagant generosity, grand gestures and fierce loyalty. Sometimes, just because he felt like it, he wore a tight red dress and blond wig during races.
Flynn was a member of the Quad Cities Hash House Harriers, where he was known by his hash name, Scatastrophe. He was the heart of the group. He could be seen running in local races. On hash runs he was known for running at the back of the pack to make sure everyone was safe. He has lifted most members off their feet several times, frequently in groups. He would read poetry written as tribute to other members, and was known for gifting personalized hand-made awards to other hashers.
He is survived by his parents, Pam and Rick, his brother Ry, and by his girlfriend Betsy Hoscheid. He will also be dearly missed by his grandparents Floyd & Leatrice Stockdill and Mary Schulz, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews on both sides. He has a large group of dear friends who continue to be inspired by his example, and will continue to run with Flynn's call of encouragement echoing in their hearts.
A celebration of life will be held at the home of Rick and Pam Schulz in Coal Valley from 4PM to 8PM on Friday, September 6. Hodgson Funeral Home, Rock Island, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Flynn's memory may be left to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Our child came in small, but lived a huge life. Thank you, God.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.hodgsonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 8, 2013
Brandon Logue
I was in Mexico when I heard of this tragic passing, so I hope that this message gets to Flynn's family...
Flynn lived life to his fullest everyday...It was an honor to know him when we were growing up...I still won't forget our senior night for soccer in high school, when I let him start in my spot and scored 2 goals in the first 25 mins, he was so excited as I was also...My thoughts and prayers are with his family...
September 6, 2013
Johnal and Cindy Holst
Pam and Rick, we are so sorry to learn of the passing of your son, Flynn. Please know our love, prayers and thoughts are with you and Ry during this most difficult time.
September 6, 2013
I am so sorry for the tragic loss of Flynn. I worked with him at Eagles grocery store when he was in high school. I was the night office clerk and he was a bagger/cashier. He was such a sweet guy, full of life and always having a good time. I had not seen him in years but I knew he worked at the Arsenal. He accomplished so much in his short life. He was truly amazing. You are all in my prayers. Julie Dobbeleare-Castens Moline IL
September 5, 2013
Matt Olson
I am sorry for your loss. I served with Flynn in the Guard and always thought he was a good soldier. From everything else I've learned about him it sounds like he was a fine person as well.
September 5, 2013
Paula Johnson
Your number was called to Heaven. This was your final race. You practiced with the best to be with the best. Flynn, May you rest in Peace.
September 5, 2013
Juan Morales
My condolences to the family. Love and Prayers. CW2 Morales Juan
September 5, 2013
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to SGT Flynn G. Schulz our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Flynn. And to Flynn it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving in the U.S. Army. Flynn, no greater patriotism is shown than a soldier devotes his life in service to his country. We bid you a sad farewell. While you will be dearly missed from among our ranks, you will always be remembered for your dedicated and loyal service to our great nation. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Flynn's family and loved ones.
Bobby L. Williams, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
September 5, 2013
Rick and Kelly Atkins
I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. You are in my prayers.
September 5, 2013
Sherri
Every once in awhile a story is brought to my attention that makes me sad that I didn't know the person the story is about- this is such a story. I wish that I had had the opportunity to know your son, brother and friend...but it was not in the cards for our paths to cross- perhaps you will take some comfort from the fact that YOU DID get to know and love him and that people who never even had that opportunity are still saddened by his loss. May the love of family and friends that surround you all during this most trying of times help to lift your spirits.
September 5, 2013
Tim & Gail Flynn
Pam.......so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
September 4, 2013
Tracy Newberry
Our hearts go out to you during this time of tremendous loss. May you find strength and comfort in those around you. What an honor to know Flynn he brought so much joy to those around him. Tracy and Jamie Newberry and Todd Engholm
September 4, 2013
Colleen Borts
Rick and Pam, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beautiful son, Flynn. Know that I will keep you and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult period.
September 4, 2013
Amber Binns
I had the great opportunity to get to know Flynn through playing volleyball with him for the past few years at Casey's and he was one of the greatest, most down to earth people I had ever met. He was always laughing and enjoying life, but he worked hard at whatever he did. I always admired him for how much effort he put into everything and he was an inspiration to those around him. He will be greatly missed and my thoughts go out to his family, girlfriend and loved ones who lost a truly great person.
September 4, 2013
Class of 1982
I did not know your family but as a former student of Moline Highschool I wanted to send condolences on behalf of our class of 1982 and all the other classes before mine and since that have graced those same halls as your son once did. Losing a loved one at such a young age is hard to understand but rest assured knowing he is in God's heavenly kingdom now awaiting the day you will all be reunited again. Your son may have lived a short life but what a rewarding one! I would also like to thank him for his service to this country! God Bless to all of you and to Flynn, a great man he was and will always be remembered.
September 4, 2013
Louisa Ewert
Pam & Rick, It has been awhile since we have touched base and I remember Flynn as a rambunctious boy who obviously grew up to be an adventurous young man who was dearly loved by many. As a parent, my heart breaks for you both (and Ry), but I know that he touched many lives in a positive way. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Kerry & Louisa Ewert
September 4, 2013
Sarah Sturges
When you love someone hugely; you miss someone hugely. So sad for the hurt hearts he leaves behind.
September 4, 2013
Dan Vize
Without doubt a great man... May the memories of him provide comfort and joy to family and friends... Rest peacefully Flynn...
September 4, 2013
amanda casper scott
My deepest sympathy goes to flynns family...... And to all of us that had an opportunity to know such a wonderful person, may his memory live on....
September 3, 2013
Jeff Katherman
Flynn only knew one speed in life and did everything with passion and total effort. I feel fortunate to have known him during high school through soccer and other endeavors. May his memory and the way he lived life always inspire us. Best wishes and prayers to the family.
September 3, 2013
Tom & Chris DeMuynck
We are so honored to have known the great Flynn. He was a running partner to our son Tom and so many others. Tom ran the Leadville 100 with Flynn and was so proud of Flynn to have finished this challenge. He was always cheering others on. We spent the day with him in Champagne when he drove down to support our daughter-in-law Lindsey with her first marathon. We feel privileged to have known him even though it was such a brief time. He has impacted so many lives in so many ways. We pray you gain strength from knowing what an incredible difference he made in this life.
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