DONALD LAWRENCE SCHULTE

A life well lived came to an end on May 26, 2025, Memorial Day, very fitting for a veteran of the US Navy. Donald Lawrence Schulte was born on a dairy in Wasco CA on May 9th,1936 to August and Elizabeth Schulte. Don was the youngest of two brothers and one sister. Don loved life on the farm since he was a young child. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and Wasco high school. Don played several sports while in high school. He completed his AA and received an academic honor while playing football for Bakersfield Jr. College. His football “cronies” were fun to see together reminiscing about playing in the Potato Bowl in 1954. Don was drafted into the service in 1955. He spent two years in the Navy aboard ship as a welder. Don thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Navy making friends and writing letters to his future wife.

Don met Margaret in Pismo Beach the summer of 1955 at the Rose Garden dance hall. Margaret was attending Bakersfield High School and Don was attending Bakersfield Jr College on the campus of BHS at that time. They were married in July 1959.

After a short time in Wasco, Don and Margaret and their first two children Mitchell and Jana returned to Bakersfield in 1961 to start their own farming operation. While living in Greenfield, Don’s third child, Aaron, was born. The farm was Don’s home away from home. His work ethic was perfect for the demands of a Kern County farmer dealing with all the elements that could ruin a good night’s sleep. However, his dedication to learning and improving his crops are a testament to his bountiful harvests. Don sought out the county’s successful farmers and then was gracious to share his knowledge and pay it forward to others.

Even though many hours were spent on the farm Don made time to play sports with his three children and attend their events and school activities. He spent many years preparing meat for the Lakeside School’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Church BBQs. Don welded many of the tables and benches in the church’s park. As a Lakeside 4 -H sheep leader, Don helped his children and many others with their fair projects.

Cotton was Don’s favorite crop to farm. Fall harvest with cotton pickers in the field and trailers full on the way to the gin was the best time of the year. Don was a dedicated board member for the Kern Delta Weedpatch Cotton Gin for many years.

Hunting was Don’s favorite hobby. Although he did not do if often if you spent time around him you would have thought he went once a month. It was the highlight of the year. There was never a shortage of hunting stories his or others. He was able to share trips with his sons, Mitchell and Aaron, son-in-law Skip Hardy, nephews Tommy Schulte and Mark Montgomery, friends Ken and Brad Peters many other close friends, and relished the new friends he made each year.

Don loved family and friend gatherings whether at his house or others. Holiday traditions (i.e making German sausage in December) were kept for many years sharing time with both sides of the families.

Don didn’t know a stranger; he talked to everyone. The kindness and friendliness in his beautiful blue eyes enabled him to have friends from all walks of life and ages. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Don leaves behind his wife of nearly 66 years of marriage, Margaret, (July 18) son Mitchell (Rhonda) Jana (Skip) Aaron (Lynn) Grandchildren Burt, Danai, Melissa, Makayla and Kelsey. Great -Grandchildren Quinten and Abigail many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren that loved their uncle Don. Don is preceded in death by his parents August Sylvester (Sylvie)and Elizabeth, his bothers Wayne and Pete, and sister Shirley Ann.

Ken Peters and Danny Fachin’s frequent visits were such a gift to Don when he was unable to get out. Thank you for your loyalty.

Thank you to our wonderful caregivers, Victoria, Maria, Oscar, April, Andrea, Margarita, and Benny. We are forever grateful.

Thank you to the kind and compassionate Hoffmann Hospice staff.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hoffmann Hospice at 4325 Buena Vista Road Bakersfield Ca. 93311

Celebration of Life -Saturday, June 21, 2025 11:00 am at The Horse Ranch at 7301 Cottonwood Road. Please allow extra time for parking.