"Dear Shulman family, I had the privilege of working with David while he was a Public Defender. What I remember most was his kind, generous spirit and desire to do good in the world. He will be missed. Robin Hoesley"
In loving memory of
David Arthur Shulman
November 20, 1936 - February 11, 2022
Surrounded by his family and wife of nearly 60 years, David Arthur Shulman, 85, died peacefully at home on February 11, 2022 after an unyielding 20 year battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Born in Chicago, IL on November 20, 1936, David was adopted by Albert and Jeannette Shulman of Cleveland, OH. Growing up, David spent much of his time at an outdoor hockey rink, which led him to his love for figure skating. He always joked that the girls smelled much better.
After summers spent in Lake Placid, NY training with Olympic figure skating coach, Gustave Lussi, David attended Michigan State University where he played on the MSU hockey team while simultaneously competing in the National Junior Men Figure Skating Championships. Graduating with a degree in history and political science, David moved to Sioux City, Iowa where he was employed as a high school teacher and figure skating coach.
Soon thereafter, the Dallas Figure Skating Club took notice of David's coaching achievements and recruited him for the position of head figure skating coach, a challenging appointment which he enthusiastically accepted. The move to Dallas proved to be life changing as that is where David met Carole Banbury, his future wife to whom his affection, admiration and lifetime commitment was monumental. After they were married, David's stellar reputation as a leader and coach was recognized by the Rochester Figure Skating Club who hired him as head coach.
In the fall of 1968, David achieved a lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. While earning his juris doctorate degree at the University of Minnesota School of Law, he continued to fulfill his contract as the head skating coach with Carole, his partner on and off the ice. As shining examples of teamwork, David and Carole taught together for 26 years, coaching athletes to national status.
As a young boy, David was fascinated with flying. At the time, his dream of soaring among the birds in the sky seemed unattainable because of his poor eyesight. As an incredibly optimistic man, David who never saw a road block, hurdle, obstacle or challenge went on to become a certified instrument, multi-engine, airline transport, type-rated Citation jet pilot. He was a flight iinstructoras well as a charter pilot completing life source, organ transplant missions for the Mayo Clinic.
Along with his dedication to law, aviation and coaching, David was a volunteer ski patroller at Mt. Frontenac for 17 years, an adjunct professor at Winona State University and he also hosted the "Legal Eagle" radio show for KWEB and KROC. As a luminary in the fields of skating and law, David was often a speaker at national conferences and meetings.
A few of David's impressive honors and achievements include figure skating Gold medalist, World Professional Figure Skating judge, Master rated in three coaching disciplines, consultant to President Carter's Commission on Olympic Sports, Professional Skaters Hall of Fame Induc-tee and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Additionally, the David Shulman Leadership Scholarship was created in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the world of figure skating. In the field of Law, David was admitted to practice in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado, Federal Courts of Minnesota, Tax Court of the United States, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Beyond his numerous sterling accomplishments, was David's allegiance to his family, which he deeply and wholeheartedly loved. He is survived by his wife, Carole and four children: son, Michael Shulman and daughters, Krista (PJ) Hildebrandt, Teresa Somah McCracken and Robbyn (Richard) Moore; seven grandchildren, Nico, Taylen, Jamie, Robbie, Carson, Brody and Maddox; brother, Robin (Rose) Shulman.
The family will receive guests for a time of visitation from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, March 4, 2022 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church.
A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Rochester Covenant Church 4950 31st Ave NW, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the wonderful people at Rochester Season's Hospice for their kind and excellent care or to honor David's determination to help with Parkinson's research, please send memorials addressed to UMB Foundation Inc c/o Carole Shulman, 49 Conner Circle SW Rochester, MN 55902. All proceeds will go directly to Parkinson's research.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Shulman family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Our dear Carole, Mike, Krista, Tracy and Robbyn?you know how we feel. You know how we loved him. Our thoughts, prayers and spirit are with you as you celebrate the marvelous, well lived life of our precious friend. So much love?.. Cline and Judy Preble"
"Dear Carole & Family, Your South African Family would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to you at this sad time. David will be fondly remembered for his contribution to Figure Skating in Cape Town. We have loads of treasured memories of both David & yourself. Rest easy friend it was a pleasure to have met and known you. Special Greetings Shern, Brenda, Megan and Family "
"A good, honest attorney and a super human being! Rest In Peace."
"David was a good, sweet man. He always talked proudly of his wife and family. He loved you all very much. May his memory be a blessing."
"Dear Carole & Family: It is with great sadness that I learned of David's passing. From my very first meeting with David at my first PSA conference/tradeshow up to the last time I saw him at our factory here in Red Wing, I can say that I always received the very best of his knowledge, kindness, humor and respect. David will be deeply missed by all that knew him. May God bless David and give you comfort in this difficult time. Sincerely, Dan Riegelman"
"Carole and family, Our industry lost a great one with the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. David was always an inspiration to many and continued to stay passionate towards the sport of Figure Skating. He was always well respected by our company and we "Thank Him" for all the support, dedication and positive words about Riedell and our family of employees. We will all miss him dearly and please know that we heartfully extend our sympathies to all of you for your loss. May God Bless, Your Riedell Friends. "
"Dear Carole and family, So very sad to hear of David's passing. I so enjoyed sitting on panels with him at PSA and he will always be remembered for being kind, supportive and generous to his skating family. He will be missed. Much love to you, Sherri Terando"
"Carole. You know what a sweet and loving man he was. He touched the lives of so many and left a positive impression. Without question he will be welcomed with those words, ?Well done oh good and noble servant. Blessings. Gil Gutknecht "
"Dearest Carole and family: we are so sorry of the loss of David. He was a wonderful person and so family minded He will be sorely missed by many people. We are sending all of our love to each of you. Love, Paul and Judy"
"What a life filled with achievements that bettered humanity, the community, and his Family. I never met you formally, but as a friend of your son Mike, I know you were a kind, thoughtful, and devoted man. May this new voyage of yours be as colorful, warm, and loving as your earthly life was. Take care Dave Shulman and Family. James "
"I remember Dave as a very nice, very qualified Mayo Clinic fixed wing pilot when I was a new flight nurse back in the day. He was always a pleasure to fly with! Fly high, Dave! Rest In Peace ?"
"Dear Carol and family, I was so sad to see that David had passed, thinking of you. Lisa Garner"
"It's been many years since my daughter Suzanne skated with the Rochester Figure Skating Club, but I recall how the highlight of the annual Show was Carole and David Shulman skating a number. My sincere sympathy to you, Carole, and your family."
"David was such an important part of my life, as was Carole?figure skating coaches in the early to mid 1960?s?a legal professional ?equal ?from 1981 until 2001?was always a bit of a jolt when one of my boyhood idols appeared before me when I became a judge?an iconic personal, community and international figure?love the guy?"
"Robyn and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Your father was a great man of many honorable accomplishments! Which is evident in the beautiful family he raised! My thoughts, love, and prayers go to you all! Todd Gasner Family"