Donald R Scharnhorst

Donald R. Scharnhorst, 79 years of age passed away January 8, 2024 at Loyola Hospital surrounded by his family. Don was born July 19, 1944 and lived in Mattson IL, son the late Raymond and Gertrude Scharnhorst. He is survived by his spouse Linda (Jung) Scharnhorst. Don was proceeded in death by his siblings Barbara (Scharnhorst) Duff and Richard (Grace) Scharnhorst. Don is survived by his three daughters Laura (David) Mills, Rebecca (Patrick) Schreurs and Courtney (Robert) Selucky. Six grandchildren Jacob Mills, Benjamin Mills, Lorraine Selucky, Matthew Selucky, Elizabeth Schreurs and Douglas Schreurs along with many friends and family. Don volunteered for the ARMY in 1965 and served in Vietnam as a flight engineer. He received the Air Medal with Valor for his service. He left the service in 1971. Don was a volunteer fireman in Mattson IL from 1960 until 1975 when he moved to Peotone IL. Don worked for the Villages of Mattson (1968 to 1980) and Beecher. He was a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church, now Peace Church in Beecher IL. He also volunteered with Will County 4-H over the years. Don met the love of his life Linda Jung in 1968 whom he married in 1969. Don was a loving father and grandfather. Don always said his greatest pride and joy was his daughters and his beloved grandchildren. Don and Lin ran their own over the road semi company until his retirement in 2015. Don was a man who loved all animals especially horses and cats. He was an avid wood worker, welder, blacksmith, gardener, farrier, electrician, plumber, mechanic, and general Mr. Fix it. Don had a hidden talent of being an Artist. He received a scholastic award in high school and once had a piece displayed at the National Art Museum in Washington DC. He also had comics published in popular magazines. Visitation will be Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 3pm-7pm at Hack-Jensen Funeral Home in Beecher, Illinois. Funeral service will be Monday, January 15, 2024 held at 11am at Peace Lutheran Church in Beecher. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. Pallbearers will be Don’s three sons-in-law, David Mills, Patrick Schreurs, Robert Selucky; his 4 grandsons, Jacob Mills, Benjamin Mills, Matthew Selucky, Douglas Schreurs and future grandson Brennan Price.