Donald R. Scholtus

August 25, 1932 - September 11, 2017

Donald Raymond Scholtus, 85, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Rose Hill died Monday, September 11, 2017, in Oskaloosa, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born August 25, 1932, in Mahaska County the son of Art and Carrie Harmon Scholtus. He attended country school in Mahaska County. Early on he worked for the Angus Coal Company in Mahaska County. In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country until 1953. Upon his discharge from the Army he returned to Mahaska County. On April 28, 1955, he was united in marriage to Shirley Lundy, at the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa. To this union three daughters were born, Bev, Barbara, and Debra. Shirley died June 9, 2000. On June 22, 2002, Don was united in marriage to Jean Chaney in Oskaloosa. Following Don’s time at the Angus Coal Company he went to work for the Iowa Highway Commission, operated a dragline for Steven’s Concrete, and drove straight truck. He retired from driving truck in 1994. He lived most of his life in Rose Hill until moving to Oskaloosa in 2002. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden in Rose Hill. He also enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, collecting arrowheads, farming, and raising livestock. He was a member of the Knights of Pythian. His family includes his wife of over 15 years, Jean Scholtus of Oskaloosa; three daughters, Beverly (Frank) Montgomery of Rose Hill, Barbara Scholtus and Debra Lowe both of What Cheer; three grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; five step sons, Rex Stein of Oskaloosa, Marvin (Linda) Stein of Fremont, Darryl (Julie) Stein of Des Moines, Larry (Alleda) Stein of Oskaloosa, and Darrin (Kathy) Stein of Washington; many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; his brother, Martin (Kathy) Scholtus of Rose Hill; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, Don was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter in infancy; five sisters, and three brothers. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 14, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Burial will be in the Hopewell Cemetery in Mahaska County. Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Wednesday after 1:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present from 4:30-6:30 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Mahaska Hospice.