Tom Schultz, managing editor of the Watertown Daily Times for 45 years and a full-time member of the newspaper’s staff for nearly 53 years, has announced his upcoming retirement.
“My career here at the Daily Times has been wonderful, there is no other way to describe it,” Schultz said in the story announcing his retirement. “But, at the same time, it’s time for me to move on and enjoy life without the pressures and time needed to lead the news department of a daily newspaper.
“My wife, Mary, and I have four grandchildren, ages 8 to 2 and we want to spend more time with them. We also want to travel a little more and of course there will be some opportunities to contribute to the Daily Times coverage as we move forward.”
Schultz’s retirement date will come in the near future after the paper transitions to a new managing editor, according to the newspaper.
- WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES: Schultz set to enjoy family in his retirement
Schultz began his career with the Daily Times in 1962 as a newspaper carrier. Two years later, he joined the mailroom, where he worked part-time through high school.
In 1966, he became a full-time employee working in the composing room, where he set ads in lead type and operated a Linotype machine. He went on to become a reporter and worked his way up to managing editor.
Over the years, Schultz has helped to transition the newsroom during times of significant technological change, including the move to offset printing, the introduction of computers into the newsroom and the shift to digital photography.
Under his leadership, the Daily Times was named the best newspaper in its division during the 2016 and 2017 WNA Better Newspaper Contests.
In 2017, Schultz was inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the newspaper industry.
Schultz is a past president of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, the Wisconsin Associated Press Managing Editors Association and the Wisconsin State Bowling Association, where he spent 44 years as director. He is also the founder of Watertown’s annual Riverfest celebration and the Watertown Area Community Foundation.
