Dean Shultis

Dean George Shultis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, elder brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 22nd, 2024, in Billings, Montana, at the age of 90. Born on November 20, 1933, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Dean lived a life rich in love, service, and dedication. Dean was the cherished older son of George Shultis and Kathryn Unger. He is preceded in death by his loving parents and his dear grandson, Gavin Michael Shultis. Dean is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Christine Shultis, whom he married on June 20th, 1961, in Billings, Montana, at the Lou Chapell house, which now houses the Billings Clinic Foundation. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared countless memories. Dean also is survived by his sons, John, Brad, Dean, Christopher, and Michael; his brother, John Frederick Shultis; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Dean proudly served his country with distinction. He enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War, serving four years and attaining the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class as a radar and sonar operator on a minesweeper in the Mediterranean. He continued his military service with the US Marine Corps for 17 years, attaining the ranks of Captain, Master Gunnery Sergeant, and Chief Warrant Officer 3, with three overseas tours to Okinawa, and to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. His dedication to his country was a testament to his character and commitment that inspired three of his sons and grandson Severin Shultis to serve military careers in the Army and Marine Corps.

Dean pursued his passion for science and education, earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Eastern Montana College in 1977, accompanied by a physics teaching certificate. His love for learning and teaching was evident in his long and impactful career as an educator. Dean taught biology, chemistry, physics, and physical sciences at Riverside Junior High, Skyview High, and Castle Rock Middle Schools, inspiring countless students with his enthusiasm and knowledge.

Not only was Dean a dedicated teacher, but he also was deeply involved in his community, and he started doing this early in his life, coaching Little League baseball while a Marine in Okinawa in the 1950s; some of his players were orphans. In Billings, he served as a girls track coach and assistant wrestling coach at Riverside, and girls' softball coach at Skyview. His commitment to his students extended beyond the classroom and into their extracurricular activities, where he made a lasting impact on their lives. Dean helped many students receive athletic or academic scholarships to college. He also accompanied some of his students to college fairs to help them understand their options, even assisting some with applications to the nations' military academies.

Dean was a man of many interests and talents. He learned to speak Japanese during his tours in Okinawa. He was an avid coin collector, a passionate tour guide at the Custer Battlefield, and enjoyed participating in online auctions. Dean loved the great outdoors, spending time trout fishing, surf fishing, and exploring the Beartooth backcountry. His fascination with history led him to frequent the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and he was deeply involved in local homeschool programs as a science teacher for more than 20 years after his retirement from the public schools. Dean also had a green thumb, nurturing his gardens, and he shared a special bond with his Doberman dogs. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and close friends.

Dean George Shultis leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and students, all of whom had the privilege of knowing him. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

A viewing will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Thursday September 5th from 3-5 pm, and a celebration of Dean's life will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Friday September 6th at 8:30 am before being laid to rest at Yellowstone National Cemetery at 10 am on Friday September 6th.