Richard Scholten

Richard Scholten. . .

was born to Marinus and Sophia (Synhorst) Scholten on November 25, 1929 on a farm near Larchwood, Iowa. When he was ten years old, he moved with his parents to Woodstock, Minnesota where he helped on the farm. In 1945, they moved to a farm near Holland, Minnesota and three years later to Edgerton, Minnesota. In 1950, Richard entered the U.S. Army Medical Corp and served as a medic in Korea until his discharge. On December 1, 1953, he was united in marriage to Trina Baker in Pipestone, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they resided in Pipestone where Richard was employed as a farm hand for Harold Evans. In February, 1954, he started working at Okeh Cleaners as an extractor man until November, 1954 when he became employed as a mechanic at Shaffer’s Garage. After eight months, he started painting for Carl Siedel. In 1963, he began working for the City of Pipestone doing several different jobs. He then became employed by Pipestone School District #583 as a custodian and bus driver until he began working for the Magnolia School District #669 as a custodian, bus driver and engineer. Three years later, he became a self-employed painter until he started working as the foreman for Modular Structures until they closed. In 1973, he began working at Fey Industries in Edgerton, Minnesota. After a few months, he went back to work for the city of Pipestone. Following his retirement in 1995, he continued to work for the city part-time. He also worked as a school crossing guard. His wife preceded him in death on August 29, 2005. After her death, he continued to reside in Pipestone. On April 5, 2008, he was united in marriage to Joyce Gilliland at First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone. Following their marriage, they lived in Pipestone. In 2010, he received a diploma as a locksmith and started his own business called Rich's Lock Service. In July, 2012, they moved to Flagler, Florida. On Sunday, April 10, 2016, Richard died peacefully at the Florida Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida, at the age of 86 years, four months and 16 days.

Richard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone where he sang in the church choir, led the church quartet and was a member of the Pacers Relay for Life team. On January 14, 2007, he was ordained as an elder at First Presbyterian Church. When they moved to Flagler Beach, Florida, he became a member of Flagler Beach United Methodist Church where he sang in the church choir and led the men’s quartet. He was also a member of the Pipestone Golden K Club. Following his service in the Army Medical Corp, he became a member of the Pipestone National Guard Unit. He was also a member of the Michael Boock American Legion Post #3814. He enjoyed square dancing for over 31 years. He and his wife Trina traveled to Branson, Missouri seven times. He loved to work with wood, and he made over 200 lawn ornaments.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce of Flager Beach, Florida; many nieces and nephews, especially Becky and her husband David Meiners of Edgerton, Minnesota; and his many square dancing friends. He was preceded in death by wife, Trina; six brothers; and six sisters.