Flora “Flo” Skaar Schulz, 73, of Bismarck, S.D., died June 11, 2014, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, with family and friends by her side. Flo was born in Bismarck on May 11, 1941, the daughter of Nels and Florence Skaar. Following graduation from Bismarck High School in 1959, she attended St. Olaf College and graduated from the University of North Dakota, with a degree in elementary education. After performing with the Bismarck High School choir in Colorado Springs, Colo., she decided that was where she wanted to live. She was fortunate to receive a first-grade teaching position in Colorado Springs from 1963-66. She continued her teaching career in Santa Clara, Calif.

She married Dennis Schulz in 1968, moved back to her home town of Bismarck, and continued her teaching career at Highland Acres Elementary. Her son Jeff was born in 1970 and son Brad was born in 1973. Flo decided to stay home with her children for the next 10 years. After her children were in school, Flo returned to teaching first grade at both Roosevelt and Will-Moore, retiring in 2000. She always felt so blessed to have been in a career where she enjoyed going to work every day.

Flo enjoyed being with her children and attending their activities. She had a passion for teaching, loved playing bridge, spent hours ice skating, and was involved with her music. At Trinity Lutheran Church, she was active in Mother’s Club, served on the Board of Parish Education, taught Sunday school and music, and accompanied the Cherub Choir for 15 years. She was also active in Bible Study groups at both Trinity Lutheran and Charity Lutheran. Her faith was very important in her life and she lived her faith each day.

In her retirement, she volunteered at the Trinity Lutheran Banquet, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, and numerous other volunteer jobs. She also enjoyed playing bridge, dancing, music, and travel. Flo and Dennis traveled to Alaska, China, South America, the Panama Canal, and numerous other locations. She also enjoyed organizing class reunions, family reunions, and wherever else she could use her talents. For the past several years, Dennis and Flo have wintered in Mesa, Ariz. In 2012, they purchased a home in Trilogy, at Power Ranch, Gilbert, Ariz. It was then that Flo took up playing Pickleball and developed an absolute passion for the game. She played almost every day throughout the winter and returned to Bismarck this spring, where she continued playing the game three times a week.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis; her sons, Jeff and Brad; her sister, Jan; her brother, Don; her niece, Angie; and nephews, Scott and Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nels and Florence Skaar; her brother, Dean; and sister, Linda.

Memorials may be sent to Neighbors Network in Bismarck, N.D.