George John Scholten

GEORGE JOHN SCHOLTEN was born to John and Alieda (Lens) Scholten on February 10, 1938 in Alvord, Iowa. He was baptized February 13, 1938 in Alvord Iowa before the family moved from the farm near Alvord to a farm southeast of Larchwood, Iowa when George was one year old. He attended four years of country school and then attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Larchwood, where he received his first communion and was later confirmed. He graduated from St. Mary’s in 1956 and enlisted into the United States Army. He was stationed for 13 months in Germany serving in the Artillery. George proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in 1959. He returned to the Larchwood area and worked for the next few years with neighboring farmers. On July 8, 1961, George was united in marriage to Donna Woolsey at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood. The couple made their first home in Larchwood where their daughter, Patricia, was born. The young family moved to Luverne in January of 1963, when George began his career with Iowa Beef Processors. During this time their second daughter, Julie, was born. After 35 years with IBP, George officially retired in 2000. Not quite ready to slow down yet, George began working part-time at the Farmer’s Union, which later became CHS. He retired from CHS in July of 2013 and began enjoying slowing down by tending to his flowers, helping Donna in the kitchen, and taking naps. On June 3, 2022, while surrounded by his loving family, George went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 84 years, 3 months, and 24 days.

George was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne, where he served as usher for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He belonged to the Luverne Eagle’s Club and was also a member of the Luverne VFW. Spending time with his grandchildren was very special to him and he thoroughly enjoyed watching the boys play hockey, baseball, and football.

George will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna of Luverne; two daughters, Patricia (Dana) Walters of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and Julie (Craig) Nekali of Luverne; four grandchildren, Ryan (Nicole) Walters of Ramsey, Minnesota, Ashley Walters of Coon Rapids, Nicholas Nekali and Nathan Nekali of Luverne; two sisters, Mary Lou Kearney of Sioux City, Iowa, and Rose (Dale) Carman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alieda Scholten; six brothers, Joseph, Raymond, Paul, Lawrence, John and Cletus Scholten; and six sisters, Theresa Schettler, Dorothy Schettler, Anna Burkard, Irene Soldatke, Elizabeth Wall, and Veronica Tuschen.