Virginia 'Ginger' Lyn Shultz

On March 1, 2023, Virginia “Ginger” Lyn Shultz, 77, of Alpena was surrounded by the comfort of her immediate family when she passed away after a short, yet courageous battle with cancer.

On April 24, 1945, Ginger was the fifth child born to the late John and Phyllis (Ogden) Prieur. Coming from a large family, she always had a good story or memory to share about her brothers and sisters and some of the shenanigans they found themselves in.  Ginger attended Bingham and McPhee Elementary schools and was a 1963 graduate of Alpena High school.

In the summer of that same year she met a young fellow that really caught her eye, and captured her heart.  On January 14, 1967, she married Donald J. Shultz, also of Alpena, at St. Anne Church.  They thoroughly enjoyed 56 short years of adventure, fun, and family together, enjoying many car trips to visit vineyards and wine tasting with her sister and brother-in-law, shopping at Kohl’s, color drives in the fall, and Florida visits to see friends and her sister and brother-in-law’s to escape some of the Alpena winters.  They were blessed with one son, Stephen (Denelle), who, with the only possible exception of their two grandsons, could not have loved or spoiled more. She often mentioned how fortunate she was to live so close to her small family, affording many opportunities for spontaneous Sunday cookouts, games of Trouble and Apples to Apples, margaritas and deck parties, and marshmallows roasted in the fireplace.  Ginger was truly a shining example of a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother (Gma as the boys called her). She will be missed very much as she leaves a large hole in our hearts and an empty seat at our table.  We take comfort in knowing that our distance apart is only temporary, and we have hope and faith that we will all reunite around our Lord’s table one day with Ginger and those who have gone before her.  In heaven there will be no empty seats and only perfection in His glory.

Many Alpena folks may remember Ginger as the smiling face and voice of Dr. Stephen Hier’s dentist office where she was his receptionist for over 20 years.  In 2002, after Dr. Hier’s retirement, Ginger joined the team at Thunder Bay (Fyzical) Therapy as front receptionist where she enjoyed the quick pace of the office and made even more new friends.  Ginger asked to extend her thankfulness and appreciation to Steve Hier and Teresa Duncan for their many years of kindness, friendship, and faithfulness.  She truly enjoyed working for both of you.  A highlight of Ginger’s giving spirit was the years that she was a volunteer through the Alpena County Library as a reading tutor for many people of all ages.  As an avid reader herself, she believed that literacy was key to success and was happy to tutor and encourage those who struggled with reading.  Know that Ginger still thought of you over the years and hoped that her students are indeed succeeding.

Ginger is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald; her son, Stephen (Denelle) Shultz; grandsons, James and William Shultz; “bonus” grandchildren Desiree Miller, Archer and Autumn Smith, and Musa Kabbah.  sisters Lorraine LaHaie, Carol (Gene) Gutkowski; a brother John (Patricia) Prieur; in-laws, Marilyn (Wayne) Krentz, John (Lorraine) Shultz, Randy (Lynn) Shultz, Sandy (Paul) Scott; many nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Vicki Jobin, Cindy Royer; 2 brothers Michael Prieur, Patrick Prieur; infant brother James Prieur; and brother-in-law, Phil LaHaie. 

Ginger’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who showed kindness and compassion towards her as she took her journey.  Your cards, visits, calls and messages, flowers, meals, gifts of comfort and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. We also would like to thank Hospice of Michigan and especially nurse Jenna, for their compassionate care and attentiveness ensuring Ginger was always comfortable. 

Visitation will take place Friday at Bannan Funeral Home from 2-8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Michael Lingaur officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: All Saints Catholic School and Hospice of Michigan