Donald "Sparky" Schultz

Donald W. “Sparky” Schultz, 62, passed away suddenly Friday October 6, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Visitation will be held 3:00-6:00 pm Thursday October 12, 2023 at Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City. Funeral service will follow at 6:00 pm with Pastor Debra Joy Hart officiating. Memorial contributions mat be made to The American Heart Association or to Ruby’s Rescue and Retreat.

Sparky was born September 4, 1961 in Kankakee, a son of Wayne and Lorena (Watkins) Schultz.

He is survived by his best friend and wife Vickie Craig of Gibson City. Four children that he adored Timothy Schultz of Champaign, Kyle (Samantha) Schultz of Sibley, Brooke (Jason) Freels of Gibson City and Brittany (Rob) Buck of Franklin, TN. Six grandchildren that were perfect in every way Austin and Ryan Schultz, Cole, Kylie and Carter Harkins and Hayden Buck. As well as three sisters Karen (Redd) Schultz-Knapp of Cissna Park, Kathy (Phil) Schultz-Clingenpeel of Clarion, Iowa and Tina (Wes) Schultz-Roberge of Sarasota, Florida and a special nephew CJ Clingenpeel and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Donna Seggebruch and Pam Castonguay.

Sparky was a MRO specialist at Hearthside in Gibson City. He loved a good round of golf with his friends and enjoyed watching it on TV. He enjoyed NASCAR. He is most known by his own creation of “Sparky’s Smokeshak BBQ Sauce” which can be found at many locations such as A-Renee Décor in Gibson City, Pioletti’s Tasting Room in Gibson City, The Corner Store in Sibley, Picket Fence in Paxton, Willow Branch in Wapella and many Hy-Vee stores. He was often seen at various weekend festivals sharing his creations with many people, smoked brisket, pulled pork and even smoked cheese. He was an incredible man that loved you with his whole being and will be truly missed by everyone that knew him.