Arvin Carl Schultz passed away March 21, 2023 in his beloved city of Phoenix, AZ. “Arv” was born November 21, 1934 at Elmhurst Hospital in Elmhurst, IL. He lived the first 28 years of his life in Addison, IL. As a young man he became a police officer with the Addison Police Department and soon after he met Nona, a 3rd grade schoolteacher in Addison. During their courtship Arv became a Deputy Sheriff with the DuPage County Sheriff’s office. After their marriage on June 16, 1962, Arv and Nonie moved to Phoenix, AZ. In 1966 Arv’s career in aviation began. He worked as a flight instructor for Sawyer Aviation, flew as a co-pilot for Apache Airlines and then Bonanza Airlines. He worked as an instructor pilot for the Lufthansa Training Program, started Carefree Air Services, flew for Hughes Air West and with the many airline mergers ended his 26-year career as a Captain with Northwest Airlines (now Delta). After FAA mandated retirement at age 60, he started Arizona Flyways magazine which eventually became Americas Flyways which he published for 13 years. He also published Sky Harbor Airport News. As an avid lover of history, he spent many years researching aviation history in Arizona with the intent of publishing a book. Arv was the past president of Arizona Pilots Association and the Classic Airplane Association of Arizona, Chairman of Knights of the Round Engine, a former board member of the American Aviation Historical Society Phoenix Wing, Arizona Capitol Museum Guild and a member of many other organizations. He was the recipient of the Wright Brother Master Pilot Award and enshrined in the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame. But more than his love of flying and aviation, Arv loved his family. Charles H. Schultz, Arv’s father, Erna Schaper Schultz, his mother and Nona Mazurek Schultz his wife preceded him in death. Arv was a beloved husband, father, grandfather great grandfather and friend. He is survived by three daughters Kathleen, Nancy (Derek), and Amy (Steve) and one son, Andrew (Sydney). Additional survivors include six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Arizona Military Museum or The Marine Corp Foundation.
Billy Walker
Arv has been one of my closest and dearest friends for 36 years. We shared our love of aviation and Arizona as members of several organizations. We served on three BODs together, flown together and shared stories he published in his magazines. I miss him greatly and I know I will think of Arv every day until I catch up with him…
Smooth air, warm/soft tailwinds, & a bright star to steer by is a certainty for Arv’s Westerly Flight
Joe Abrahamson
Really sorry to hear of Arv’s passing but at least he is now back with his wife. We will share a toast in his honor in the next QB dinner/meeting. You sure are missed Arv!
Fred G Borns
Arv was a mentor, confidence-builder, visionary, and, most of all, friend. It was a unique privilege to be near him–especially at aviation-related events.
Daniella Moreci-Pack
I worked for Arv in my early 20’s at Az Flyways. He was and forever will be my favorite boss! He quickly became a great friend to me and my family and over the next 20 years was always a person I could talk to for hours. Nonnie and Arv will forever be treasures in my heart. My life would have been much different without them. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to the family.