Mary Leona Scholten

Mary Leona Scholten, 90, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Manor Court, Freeport. Mary was born May 14, 1936 in Freeport, the Daughter of Leonard & Alice (Best) Herendeen. She attended Freeport Schools, graduating as valedictorian in 1954. Mary married Milton Scholten on June 8, 1957. She worked many years at Peoples Natural Gas, in Webster City, IA, retiring in May, 1998. Mary returned to Freeport in 1999 to be close to her sister, Gloria. She enjoyed gardening, reading, singing in the church choir, and puzzles. She worked on several of her high school class reunions and always had a good time doing it. Mary was independent, strong, and caring. She cared for her eldest son John, for many, many years with a loving heart.

Surviving are her 6 children: John Scholten, Freeport; Julie(Greg) Ganser, Sun Prairie WI; Tim(Renay) Scholten, Shreveport, LA; Art(Marjorie)Scholten, Runnells, IA; Dan(Paula)Scholten, Freeport; and Dave Scholten, Katy, TX. One brother, Arthur Herendeen, Freeport; and 11 Grandchildren, Gabe, Dan, Emma, Matt, Shay-Marie, Sarah, Stanley, Sam, Tony, Axel, and Violet. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Alice Herendeen, her husband Milt and her sister, Gloria Hoefle.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Wednesday, October 21, St. Thomas Aquinas, Freeport, IL. Visitation from 9:30 am until the time of service. Entombment will be at Oakland Cemetery, Freeport, next to her beloved sister Gloria.

A memorial fund will be established in her name at St. Jude’s Children Hospital.