Sharon Kay Schulz

Sharon Kay Schulz, age 69, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Avista Nursing Home in Bridgeport. She is the first daughter born to Henry E. and Mildred M. (Billmeier) Schulz. She is one of 5 children born into a close-knit farm family. She was a student in the Bridgeport schools and graduated in 1972. This is where she developed her life-long love of playing ball. She was a die-hard Tigers fan as well as showing support for the Great Lakes Loons based out of Midland. Then Sharon attended Delta College, graduating in 1974 with an Associates Degree in Computer Operations. Her first employment was with Jameson Corporation in Saginaw. In time, she moved on to work for Mid-America Life Insurance and Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Companies. During this time, she met and married Tom Newkirk in 1977. She and her husband loved bowling and going to Saginaw Gears Hockey and Detroit Tigers games. Her longest employment was at St. Mary’s Hospital as a Graphic Arts Specialist. During this time, she and her husband designed and built their own log home in Caro, Michigan. They formed and began operating their own company called Butternut Creek Log Homes as independent contractors, under Rapid River Rustic Log Homes, based in the Upper Peninsula. Sharon studied and received her general contractor’s license and her realtor’s license, as well. They built homes in Caro, Midland and other locations. After being diagnosed with Lyme Disease, Sharon was unable to continue any work endeavors as she sought treatment for her many symptoms. After 19 years of marriage, Tom left Sharon and their marriage abruptly ended. After several years of medical treatments, Sharon improved enough to obtain a part-time job as a cashier at a Kroger Store in Midland. She enjoyed the contact with the public. Eventually health issues resulted in losing the strength to continue working. Her favorite pastime was playing softball in community leagues after high school. Her love of ball continued as she could always be found with a radio or tv tuned in to cheer for The Tigers. Her other favorite activity was to take a drive up north, eat lunch at a picnic table, get an ice cream cone, and perhaps camp overnight and enjoy the outdoors. Sharon leaves behind two brothers: Henry J. (Susan) Schulz and Daniel A. (Sharen) Schulz. Surviving her are nieces and nephews including: Sarah ( Jon) Russell; Laura (Paul) Hoskins; Matt (Rachel) Duggar; Ben (Becca) Duggar; and Zachary Schulz. She also leaves two great nephews, Isaac Hoskins and Hudson Duggar; and great niece, Clara Hoskins. Predeceasing Sharon are her parents; a brother, Randy, and his wife, Janet Schulz, and a sister, Marlene (Robert) Duggar. Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602. Pastor Erik Schmidt will officiate. Entombment will take place at Chapel Hill Mausoleum, Freeland, MI. The family requests that memorials to honor Sharon be given to Peace Lutheran Ministries, care of Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602. For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.

Sharon Kay Schulz

September 22, 1954 - July 21, 2024