Lance Erik Scholtes

Lance Erik Scholtes, 74, of Muncie and formerly of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly of complications caused by exposure to Agent Orange, on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, June 12, 1946, to Lawrence P. and Marian (Erickson) Scholtes. A 1964 graduate of Austin High School in Chicago, he participated in Track/Cross Country and various singing groups, serving as President of the Senior Choir. While there, he met his future wife and the love of his life, Susan McKay. His main extracurricular activity was being an active member and Master Councilor of the Austin Chapter Order of DeMolay. Upon graduation in 1964, he attended the University of IL and Wright Jr. College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

While in the service, he sang in the Blue Jacket Choir at Great Lakes Naval Training Center before being trained and assigned as an Operating Room Technician at various naval hospitals on the west coast. He was reassigned to the Fleet Marine Force in his final year of enlistment and served as a combat medic at An Hoa in South Vietnam in 1968/69. Following discharge he joined the VFW (life member of Kirk-Little Post 1108, Richmond), the American Legion (43 year member of Harry Ray Post 65, Richmond), VVA and DAV.

Upon return to civilian life, he attended college part-time and began working in the Accounting Department of Belden Wire & Cable Company in Chicago. In 1977, he transferred to the Belden facility in Richmond, IN and retired from their employ in 2006 as Senior Accountant after 35 years of service. He was then controller of CAECI until retiring for health reasons in 2009. In his 50’s, he returned to college and in 2001 was awarded his degree in Accounting from IN Wesleyan University.

Lance was a people person and loved doing and serving always with good humor and a smile on his face. Many of his activities included Worshipful Master of Laurel Lodge #1057 AF&AM, President of the Richmond Area Rose Festival, President of National Assn. of Accountants, Richmond Chapter. He was Cubmaster of Pack 119, Scoutmaster of Troop 119, Crew Advisor of Venture Crew 119 and Explorer Post Advisor of Post 119. He was awarded the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award. He was a proud member of the Wayne County Honor Guard.

He was a faithful member of the Richmond First Presbyterian Church for 38 years serving as a Deacon, Ruling Elder and a choir member. He was active in the Richmond Area Emmaus Community following his participation on Men’s Walk #6. Upon moving to Muncie in 2016, he joined the local First Presbyterian Church and continued his service to God and the church as an Elder and choir member.

Throughout his life, one of his greatest joys was raising his voice in song, especially to the Lord. He also took great delight in mentoring and leading many young men through the great outdoors on Boy Scout camping trips. He was especially proud of accompanying multiple crews to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch on 3 separate occasions as well as hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail with his Venture Crew. He was honored to assist 31 scouts, including his 3 sons, in their journeys to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Lance is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Susan, whom he married on August 10, 1968 and his 3 sons, Erik (wife Natasha) of Portland, OR, Craig (wife Jessica) of Noblesville, IN, and Kristofer (wife Jennifer) of Muncie, IN; eight grandchildren, Apolina, Renata, Caitlyn, Benjamin, Anna, Noah, Ella, and Leah; his sister, Lorrayne Hansen of Carol Stream, IL; brother Larry Scholtes (wife Elaine) of Schaumburg, IL; and sister-in-law, Jean Zack of Downers Grove, IL.

Lance is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The First Presbyterian Church, 1400 West Riverside Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47303, OR, The First Presbyterian Church, 100 North 10th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374, OR, The Fisher House Foundation (a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment), at fisherhouse.org, or by mail to 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, #410, Rockville, Maryland 20852, OR, any other Veteran charitable organization.

Visitation will be Friday, February 5, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, masks are required as well as social distancing.

Private funeral services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1400 West Riverside Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47303. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Daren Hofmann.

The link to livestream the funeral service is www.facebook.com/FPCMuncie.

Private burial will be in Elm Ridge Memorial Park with military honors conducted by the Delaware County Honor Guard.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the summer.