Gerald 'Jerry' Melvin Schultz, 83

Gerald "Jerry" Melvin Schultz, 83, passed away peacefully at his house in Rathdrum, Idaho, on April 1, 2025.

Jerry was born Feb. 24, 1942, just outside Detroit, Mich. He was baptized into the Lutheran Church on March 29, 1942. He attended Lutheran Parochial School and continued to be fascinated with educating himself throughout his life. Main topics of interest were theology, mathematics and international relations. As a young man, he moved to Maryland and started his career at the National Security Agency, where he was a profound mathematician. His expertise led him into the Oval Office to brief presidents, and he was a key figure behind the scenes in Cold War strategy and decoding. After retiring from the NSA, he continued to do consulting work for the agency for another decade before taking his next big step, which was moving to North Idaho in 2005. He spent his later years enjoying nature with his hobbies of hiking, fishing, kayaking and biking. For every aspect of Jerry’s life, he came off as quiet and reserved; however, for all the people and situations he encountered in his life, he seems to have had a bigger impact than anyone even imagined. Jerry's knowledge and Stature will certainly be missed; however, his impact will continue to ripple throughout the Church and community.

We will hold Jerry's funeral service at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (13541 W. Highway 53 Rathdrum, ID 83858). Committal will be at Pine Grove Cemetery immediately after the service. A luncheon will follow back at Shepherd of the Hills.

Please visit Jerry’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.