Richard Schultze, Distinguished Green Beret Turned Longtime La Grange Judge, Passes Away

La Grange is mourning the death of longtime municipal judge and former Green Beret Richard Schultze, who passed away Jan. 29.

Four years ago this week, as Schultze retired from his La Grange Municipal Judgeship, he was honored by Mayor Jan Dockery declaring the date of Feb. 14, 2022 as “Richard Schultze Day” in La Grange.

Schultze retired after 33 years as the city judge. Schultze was also a retired Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Army where he served as a Green Beret and paratrooper.

Schultze had also served on many Kairos Prison Ministry retreats, where he served the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Life Methodist Church of La Grange at 11 a.m. on Mon. March 2, 2026.