Richard "Rocky" Schiltz

Richard "Rocky" Schiltz, age 91, passed from this world on September 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy built on faith, hard work, and devotion to family and friends. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Rocky grew up as one of twelve children to Alfred and Mary Schiltz. From those humble beginnings, he learned early what it meant to work hard, lean on faith, and lift those around you — the lessons of a natural teammate that would define every chapter of his life.

His determination carried him far. As a young man, Rocky rose to become a state baseball champion in Iowa — an achievement that earned him a scholarship to Loras College. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Iowa, and it was there that he found not only his career, but his devoted partner. He and Ann shared a deep bond rooted in faith, physical activity, sports, and a mutual taste for adventure — a partnership that flourished across 54 wonderful years together.

And adventure found them often. Rocky devoted his career to the Veterans Administration, serving at seven VA hospitals across the country. Each move brought new cities, new communities, and new experiences for the Schiltz family. With humor, strength, and a hands-on presence, Rocky walked the halls of his hospitals every day, holding himself personally accountable for the quality-of-care veterans deserved.

Away from work, Rocky was a man of remarkable athletic gifts that never faded with age. A state baseball champion in his youth, he carried that same competitive fire onto the handball court, where he went on to win state titles in both singles and doubles. His beloved St. Louis Cardinals had a lifelong devoted fan no matter where he lived.

Wherever Rocky traveled — whether for a new assignment or a family vacation — one of his first acts in any new city was finding the local Catholic church. His faith was woven into every facet of his life, guiding how he led, how he loved, and how he served. And if there was a bakery or dessert nearby, Rocky found that too. His legendary sweet tooth was as dependable as his faith, and those who knew him best knew never to stand between him and a good treat.

To his grandchildren Jack and Lea, he was simply "Papa" — a word that carried all the warmth, steadiness, and love that defined him. He was a role model not by proclamation but by example: a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal friend, and a man of deep and abiding Catholic faith. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Schiltz; sons, Richard (April) and Raymond (Doni); stepson, John Laptad (Ruthie); grandchildren, Jack and Lea Schiltz; brother, Loras (Lana) Schiltz; and sisters, Ethel (Tom) Brant and Joanne Breen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mary Schiltz, and nine of his siblings.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Karen and Stephanie Boozel for the compassionate and dedicated care they lovingly provided Rocky during his final months.

A rosary and memorial service will be held on November 21, with the rosary beginning at 9:30 AM followed by the memorial service at 10:00 AM at St. Jerome Catholic Church (St. Jerome Catholic Church) in Waco, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association .