In Loving Memory of Dr. Fred James Schultz
December 29, 1953
September 12, 2021
Forever in Our Hearts
Fred James Schultz, M.D.
Forever in Our Hearts
Fred James Schultz, M.D.
Fred J. Schultz was born on December 29, 1953 to Helen F. and Fred W. Schultz. He passed away on September 12, 2021 in his Wheaton home. Fred was the adored, respected, and admired husband and best friend of Vicki Schultz. Loving father of Alyssa Courtney Sassen. Grandfather of Antoinette (Toni) Sassen and Harper Sassen. Cherished son-in-law of Natalie and the late James Vendegna. Beloved brother-in-law of Cathie (Eric) Godoy, Patti Vendegna, and Mary (Ray Villa) Vendegna. Proud uncle to Amy and Carlos Guerra, Daniel and Meagan Godoy, and Carly Vendegna. Great-uncle to Lucas and Carolina Guerra, and Caleb, David, Lydia, and Jacob Godoy.
Fred’s mother Helen was one of his greatest heroes. She worked as the head nurse in the Orthopedics Department at Edward Hospital, and he beamed with pride when he talked about her. His grandmother was a farmer and one of the kindest and most gentle souls he ever knew. She adored Fred.
I feel I learned patience from my Grandma and Grandpa. When I was growing up,
my Mom and Dad and I visited their farm every weekend to help out.
Farmers live an admirable and inspirational life of patience.
– Fred Schultz
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
– Lao Tzu
Some of Fred’s fond memories from youth involved his days in Troop 44 of the Boy Scouts of America. This troop remains intact today, meeting at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with a 98-year history. Fred feels the Boy Scouts provided him with a strong foundation in community service. Fred was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn.
This gorgeous earth. It is our privilege to be here. It is a gift.
– Fred Schultz
Fred sang in the choir at Eureka College, a small school in the middle of Illinois. There he studied biochemistry under Dr. Stephen Binkley, a man he greatly admired. Dr. Binkley was a research scientist who received a Nobel Prize for helping to discover Vitamin K. Fred was fascinated by his mentor’s accomplishment. (Before the discovery, about 10,000 babies died each year from a vitamin K deficiency.) Deeply delving into the body’s ability to heal through science at the cellular level became Fred’s passion. He decided to go to medical school and pursue his Medical Degree with the unusual underlying perspective of resolving illness by normalizing body function through natural means. He strongly believed in the body’s ability to create the best possible environment. He felt pharmaceutical and surgical interventions certainly have their place but should be used only when foods and natural means could not resolve issues.
“To the Top!” – Fred Schultz
Fred has been a hockey player, football player, golfer, and downhill skier, but of all his sports passions, running and biking were his most enjoyable pursuits. He was an avid bike rider and regularly enjoyed biking on the Illinois Prairie Path.
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
– Jon Burroughs
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
– Albert Einstein
Fred was a gifted artist; his pastel, oil, watercolor, colored pencil, and acrylic paintings provide warmth, comfort, and character to his medical office at the Center for Health & Healing (now Forum Health Wheaton). Many of his paintings were inspired by photographs he took of the surrounding area. He was raised in Glen Ellyn and thoroughly loved and appreciated the area. He found photographic inspiration everywhere around him. He was a member of DuPage Art League and Naperville Art League.
The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and the cause and prevention of disease.
– Thomas A. Edison
“Dr. Fred” has been a revered doctor practicing in the Glen Ellyn/Wheaton/Naperville area for the past 41 years. He has been a caring, compassionate physician and friend to many patients who were considered family in his heart. He was a member of the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Illinois Academy of Family Physicians.
I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.
– Thomas A. Edison
Starting in 1980, Fred worked at Cook County Hospital, LaGrange Hospital and Edward Hospital before opening the Center for Health and Healing in Glen Ellyn in 1997. He was a refreshing renegade in his field. He was undaunted by the resistance he encountered because he knew without any doubt the body needed to be given every chance to recover through means that would support the organs, cells, and tissues. He had an endearing personality, was highly intelligent and was a great communicator; therefore, while his colleagues may not have embraced his methods, they respected him and worked with him to help his patients in any way possible. At the Center for Health & Healing, he utilized functional and integrative medicine tools for diagnostic testing and then used the results to treat accordingly. In this way, he was able to help his patients achieve lasting healing.
There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.
– Ralph H. Blum
Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
– Mother Teresa
Fred had boundless energy and did not feel defeated by life’s obstacles. He was on a continuous course of solving anything and everything to the best of his abilities. His strong connection to God carried him through the most difficult and challenging circumstances. He bravely faced brain cancer with the attitude that he could use the most sensible treatments available to him and was deeply grateful to have a physician he respected and fully trusted. He lived the best life possible given the situation. He was perpetually grateful for everything he was given in life. He repeatedly said, “Be sure our family, our patients and our friends know how much joy they’ve given me. I know I am loved.”
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
– Dalai Lama
Dr. Fred was interred at St Mark’s Episcopal Church Columbarium in Glen Ellyn IL.
In his honor, please consider a donation to ACAM, ILADS, IFM, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, DuPage Art League, or Naperville Art League.
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:21
Many of Dr. Schultz’s patients have written heartfelt and touching tributes to him on his Tribute Wall.
Click here to read a Dedication Note from Vicki to our employees at the Center for Health and Healing.
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:21
Many of Dr. Schultz’s patients have written heartfelt and touching tributes to him on his Tribute Wall.
Click here to read a Dedication Note from Vicki to our employees at the Center for Health and Healing.
Please add your tribute to Dr. Schultz here...
