Edward 'Ed' Shiltz, 69, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away on August 25, 2025, at Trego County–Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 23, 1956, in North Platte, NE, to William “Bill” and Ruth (Hamar) Shiltz, and graduated with the Class of 1974 from Trego Community High School.
Ed worked in the automotive repair business while living in Salina, KS; Hays, KS; and Apache Junction, AZ. When he returned to WaKeeney, he discovered his calling in working with at-risk youth. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a personal care assistant through Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK).
He enjoyed family gatherings, watching sports, fishing, and driving through the countryside in his pickup or on his motorcycle. He especially treasured his fishing trips with his daughter, Ellsa. A faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous for 42 years, he sponsored and guided many individuals on their journey to sobriety.
Survivors include his mother, Ruth Shiltz, and his daughter, Ellsa, both of WaKeeney; his sister, Linda (Larry) of West Des Moines, IA; his brother, Dave (Tess) of Hays, KS; and his nieces, Emilee (Dave) and their children Payton, Camden, and Sophia of Ankeny, IA, and Mikayla (Brian) and their children Colby and Cohen of Lenexa, KS. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Shiltz; paternal grandparents, George and Hatie Shiltz; maternal grandparents, Orrin and Vera Hamar; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins.
Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney, with interment afterward at WaKeeney City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home.
Condolences may be shared at www.schmittfuneral.com.