Reuben Schatz

Reuben Schatz, 86, Linton, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Prospera Sunset Drive in Mandan.  Services will be held Monday, May 2, at Peace Lutheran Church in Linton at 10:30 AM with Rev. Eugene Roecker presiding. Visitation will be one hour before services.  Burial will follow at the Hazelton Cemetery followed by lunch at the Hazelton Community Center.

Reuben was born April 10, 1936, to Adam and Martha (Knapp) Schatz near Temvik in Emmons County, North Dakota.  He attended rural grade school and graduated from Hazelton High School in 1953.  Reuben married Phyllis Ryckman in Pollock, SD on June 30, 1959. They have three children - Cyle, Marlys, and Toni.

Reuben and Phyllis settled on the family farm southeast of Hazelton where he enjoyed farming until retiring and moving to Linton in 1999.  He also enjoyed driving school bus, especially driving players to basketball games and tournaments.  He often reminisced about good times had on these trips.  Music was a very important part of Reuben's life.  He inherited his musical talent from the Knapp side of his family and was able to play several instruments by ear.  Reuben enjoyed sharing this talent with others by being a part of various local bands for many years.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife of 62 years, Phyllis; his children, Cyle Schatz, Linton, ND; Marlys (Shawn) Meier, Bismarck, ND; and Toni (Brian) Sauter, Bismarck, ND; four grandchildren, Ryan Meier, Kimberlee (Scott Huffman) Sauter, Erika (Al) Theiler, and Kylie (Austin Fettig) Sauter; and three great-grandchildren, Audrey, Emma, and Jack.

Reuben was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law Gertrude and Archie Ryckman; and brother Alvin Schatz.