Obituary for Donald Schiltz

Donald Schiltz

December 9, 1928 – April 7, 2020

Donald John Schiltz of Ponca City, Oklahoma went to his heavenly home on April 7, 2020, at the age of 91.

Don was born December 9, 1928 to Joseph N. Schiltz and Lucia Girrens Schiltz at the family farm southwest of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He attended grade school at Union School #98, then attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and agricultural education at Ponca City High School, graduating in 1946.

As an active 4-H member, Don showed livestock and competed in livestock judging contests. In 1944, Don and his brothers Joe and Ray competed in the National 4-H Livestock Judging contest in Chicago, Illinois and where their team won first place. Don also placed third as an individual in the same event.

On May 20, 1953, Don married Colleen Lanie in Blackwell, OK. They were married nearly 67 years and blessed with nine children. Don valued spending time with his family. As an avid dancer, he enjoyed dancing with his wife and girls. He especially loved dancing with Colleen to “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and attending their sporting and music events.

Don’s passion was farming. He farmed west of Ponca City until his passing. He loved being on the tractor and combine and teaching his children and grandchildren to farm. Harvest was always a family event with many family members coming back to help.

As a worker, in addition to farming, he worked for Ivan King Construction and Chitwood Construction pouring concrete for many years. He also worked for Wally Edwards building Harvestore silos and caring for cattle in his feedlot.

Don was a faithful Catholic. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and frequently invited local priests to join in family gatherings. He also served on the board of directors for the Ponca City Opportunity Center, which provides opportunities for handicap individuals.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Joe N. and Lucia Schiltz, brother Joe L. Schiltz and wife Patricia, brother Ray M. Schiltz, sister Louise Marak and husband Wilfred, son Donald S. Schiltz, daughter-in-law Beth Harpel Schiltz, and great-grandson Fletcher Finn.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Colleen; eight children, 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Family members include: daughter, Elaine Schiltz of Moore, OK; son, Leo (Michelle) Schiltz of Caldwell, KS, grandson, Michael; daughter, Nancy (John) Finn of Moore, OK, grandchildren: Christopher, Dustin, Patrick, John Jacob, Jordan; daughter, Marilyn (Joel) Cordell of Muskogee, OK, grandchildren: Jared, Jessica and JJ; daughter, Sharon (Neal) Schiltz Jones of Medford, OK, grandchildren: Michelle and Byron; daughter, Dolores Schiltz of Ponca City, OK; son, John (Lori) Schiltz of Ponca City, OK, grandchildren: Nicholas, Adam and Johnathon; and daughter, Mary Jo (James) Schiltz Combs of Yukon, OK, grandchildren: Halie, Lauren. Don was blessed to have 15 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 12th from 1-8pm at Trout Funeral Home. Please note that this will be a come and go visitation time so we can adhere to the mandate of no more than 10 people in the building at a time. Thank you for your cooperation during this time as we do our part to ensure the safety and health within our community.

An private family graveside service will be held Monday, April 13, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at St. Mary’s Catholic School, 415 S. 7th, Ponca City, OK 74601 or Ponca City Opportunity Center, 2225 N. Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home