On February first, Benjamin (Ben) Gale Schulz, 49, of Hopkins, left this world as he did most things—completely unexpectedly. Whether it was tearing apart a bathroom out of the blue while his wife was gone, to gifting her an epic trip to Africa, Ben was full of surprises.
An avid outdoorsman, Ben never met a hunting trip or vacation he didn’t like. And he was prone to random trips to Indiana Amish country to pick up doughnuts. But as hard as he played, he started working even harder. In addition to running his own trucking business, he loved hobby farming on his family’s farm, and he volunteered much of his time coaching basketball for the Hopkins Basketball Program.
Ben was absolutely devoted to his family and friends and never hesitated to help someone in need. He adored his wife, Sarah for 26 years, his son, Tyler (Kayla), his daughter Meghan, sons, Brady, Trent, Jack, and Jay, his grandson, Tanner, and brothers, Jason (Shirley) and Sam (Kayla), and his extended family and friends that became family. The brotherly bond he had with friends, Charlie, Cris, Dan, and their families was one to be envied. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Schulz and Andrea (Sug) Schulz.
Ben’s love for his family was unmatched, and despite his loss, his love continues to surround them and will carry them through their lives. It’s evident in Tyler’s deep love for his wife and son. Meghan’s fierce, competitive spirit mirrors her dad’s, and Brady’s compassionate heart is just as big as Ben’s. Trent has his dad’s gift of quiet introspection and subtle, unexpected sense of humor. Jack’s love of helping others is pure Ben, and Jay has Ben’s quiet gift of deep thought.
Over the years, Ben has given so much of himself to all who knew him. The family asks that as we all move forward, we keep Ben with us by loving deeply, showing compassion, helping those in need, laughing as much as possible, and, if necessary, driving to Indiana for Amish doughnuts.
The funeral will be held at Hopkins Community Church at 11am, on Monday, February 6th, 2023. There will be a visitation at the church on Sunday from 3 – 7 and again on Monday at 10am. 2142 128th Avenue, Hopkins, MI 49328
Internment at Poplar Hills Cemetery will immediately follow the service, and once complete, we’ll meet back at Hopkins Community Church for a light luncheon.
2650 30th Street, Allegan, MI 49010
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are welcome to donate to Jack and Jay’s SMV education fund, or to Hopkin’s Community Church’s “5th Quarter” program, or to the Wes Leonard Heart Team in memory of Ben and his love of the game. https://wesleonardheartteam.org/product/give/