Jakob Oliver Schultz

Jakob Oliver Schultz, 12, of Highland, NY passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. 

He was born August 24, 2013 in Poughkeepsie, NY, son of David and Elizabeth (Retzlaff) Schultz. 

Jakob never needed words. Even as a baby, Jakob had a special way of communicating and understanding. He spoke volumes with his bright blue eyes and seemed to understand people on a level that was beyond his years. He had a deep sense of empathy that never stopped interpreting the world and people around him. Jakob lit up when his cousins played and cried when they were upset. He loved people and he loved making them happy - and he could, with only a smile. Jakob had a smile and a laugh that was absolutely contagious. His smile was so full of love, you couldn't help but smile too. 

Jakob loved to laugh and be goofy - especially giving and receiving beeps on the nose - but he would happily snuggle up and read his favorite books over and over, or quietly hold your hand, content to simply be in your company. 

Jakob had so many gifts and he shared them all with anyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Even in the most difficult moments, there was peace to be found if you just sat quietly and held Jakob's hand. 

Whether it was pushing his toy cars and trucks across the floor, sitting on Mom's lap and pretending to drive while Dad ran into the store, or driving the tractor with Dad, Jakob loved to drive and was the only one that Dad could count on to watch NASCAR with him. 

Above all else, Jakob loved the quiet moments in life and he taught his parents to love them too. God carefully chose Jakob's parents, knowing they would leave no stone unturned and give up everything if it made Jakob's life better. In turn, Jakob made their lives better simply by being in it. 

Jakob was loved beyond measure. 

Jakob was kind, sweet, and an example of love and patience. In just 12 years and without ever saying a word, Jakob touched more lives than he ever knew. The world is a better place for having had Jakob Oliver in it. 

Jakob is survived by his parents, David and Elizabeth Schultz of Highland, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. Family and friends may gather at 9:30am on Saturday October 18, 2025, at St. Joseph Church, 34 South Chestnut St., New Paltz, NY 12561. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am with burial following in St. Remy Rural Cemetery, St. Remy, NY. 

For those who wish, contributions in Jakob’s memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley or Hudson Valley Hospice. 

A tribute for Jakob can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.