Charles Clarence Scholtens

Charles Clarence Scholtens Age 88, of Woodridge, IL, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Woodridge, IL. Charles was the cherished husband of the late Joan Mary Scholtens (nee Ott), with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Susan (John) Bowe, Scott, Steven (David Aspinall), Sandra (Robert) Hamilton, and Shawn (Mary Kay). Charles was a proud and loving grandfather 15 grandchildren: Austin, Christine, Jack, Kelly, Ashley, Aaron, Alexis, Conner, Patrick, Mary, Anne, Charlie, Connor, Jake, and Will, as well as a great-grandfather to 6 great-grandchildren: Luke, Claire, Benjamin, Madeline, Audrey, and Bailey.

A proud Army Veteran, Charles served his country and recently participated in an Honor Flight to the National World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC—an experience he described as one of the most meaningful trips-- he was the oldest Vietnam Veteran, Army E-4, who served from 1959-1961 in Aberdeen, Maryland. Charles was an active member and Eucharistic Minister at St. Scholastica Parish in Woodridge, IL, since 1969. He founded the sports program at the parish and enjoyed coaching his children in various sports.

Professionally, Charles dedicated over 40 years of his career to Libby's in downtown Chicago taking the Burlington Northern train every day.After retirement, he began working at River Bend Golf Club in Lisle, IL, where he was an enthusiastic golfer and formed lasting friendships over his 23 years of service. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Charles was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, holding season tickets with his neighbors from 1963 to 2003, and a passionate supporter of the Chicago White Sox, having played for their farm team. Charles loved all sports-whether it was baseball, football, basketball, or volleyball— he cherished the opportunity to watch and cheer on his children and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits. He also umpired softball games in Grant Park (Chicago) for many years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W. Higgins Rd, Suite 310, Rosemont, IL 60018 ([email protected]) or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 (support.woundedwarriorsproject.org).

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 4-8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue, Lisle, IL. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Scholastica Church, 7800 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, IL, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11 AM. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date. For more information, please contact the funeral home at 630-964-9392 or visit www.blakelambfuneralhome.com.