Albert Scholten

Family was Albert Scholten’s favorite hobby. He worked hard to provide for his children, and he found the reward for his effort in the warmth of their company. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa who cherished all the time that he spent with his family.

Following the crash of the stock market in 1929, the economy slumped and the Great Depression spread through America, affecting nearly one out of every four workers with unemployment. In Holland, Michigan, Henry Scholten and his wife Mabel Voorhorst maintained their positive spirits by focusing on the many blessings in their life together. They were expecting a child, and on April 9, 1933 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son Albert A. Scholten.

As a child of the Great Depression, Albert learned the value of hard work at a very young age. He grew up in Holland, the only child in his family, and remained a lifelong resident. His childhood instilled in him an appreciation for the outdoors that would follow him into his later life.

After high school Albert enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on an aircraft carrier in the 1950’s, during a time of peace. Following his discharge he returned to Holland to marry his sweetheart Joyce in 1960. This was the beginning of a wonderful marriage that lasted forty-seven years and blessed them with two children, Rodney and Michelle.

Albert was a great husband and father. His family was his first priority, and he worked hard to provide for them. He owned and operated a poultry farm, and he also worked at Chris Craft Company for twenty-three years until his retirement in 1978. He sold his farm in 1995, and he always missed it. He loved farming. He also enjoyed working with wood, and he was currently employed by the Zeeland Wood Turning Company.

Albert was a lifelong member of the Graafschap Christian Reformed Church. He was an active member in his congregation, and he raised his children on Christian values.

Albert knew that his life was his filled with blessings, and he greeted each new day with a spirit of thanksgiving. His wife, children, and grandkids were his greatest treasure. Among the many people who loved him, he will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Albert died Monday January 28, 2008 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joyce Scholten, a son, Rodney and Michelle Scholten of Hamilton, a daughter, Michelle and John Shashaguay of Holland, grandchildren, Emilie Scholten, Kirstie and Ben Shashaguay, a brother in law, Howard and Debbie Busscher of Hamilton, nieces and a nephew. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, 5973 Church Rd. Graafschap. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday at the Church. Memorial may be given to the Graafschap Christian reformed Church. Please visit Albert’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to sign a guest register or archive a favorite memory.