Sam Scholtus

Allan Ray "Sam" Scholtus, 62, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on October 18, 2025, from complications of COVID-19 following a Frontotemporal Dementia diagnosis in 2019. Sam was born on August 23, 1963, at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa. He grew up in Rose Hill, where he was raised by parents Marion & Carol Scholtus. He graduated from Fremont High School with the Class of 1981.
After graduation, Sam began his career with Bloom Builders before taking on various other jobs, including working as a heavy equipment operator and driving semi, which took him across Iowa and throughout the country. In 2003, he married Sherie Stout. Though they later divorced, their union brought him the greatest joy of his life - his son, Samuel.
Sam had a deep love for the outdoors, especially spending time mushroom hunting with his kids, some of his happiest moments were out in nature with them.
He is survived by his daughters Felicia (Joe) Lucas of Story City, Iowa, and their children Maddi, Jerry, and Riley; and Anna (Mark) McCleskey of Memphis, Tennessee, and their two children; his son Samuel Scholtus of Iowa City, Iowa; his mother, Carol Scholtus of Oskaloosa; siblings Glenn (Deseiri) Scholtus, Renee Ault, and Robin (Randy) Hook, all of Oskaloosa, and Dean (Gina) Scholtus of Fremont; a special son, Adam Ryan, who held a very special place in his heart; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Sam was preceded in death by his father, Marion Scholtus; brother, David Scholtus; nephew, Andrew Scholtus; brother-in-law, Al Ault; all of his grandparents; and his beloved dog, Maggie, who was always by his side.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Crystal Heights for treating Sam like family and for the loving, compassionate comfort care they provided at the end of his life.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Reverend Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will be in the White Oak Cemetery east of Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation with the family present will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to the family.