Willis “Willie” James Schott, 86, of Clermont, Iowa passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa. He was born July 27, 1937 to Fred and Ruth (Entwisle) Schott of rural Hawkeye, Iowa. Willie attended country school near Hawkeye and also public school in West Union and Clermont. At 14 years old, Willie went to work for the Quinn Family that were his neighbors. He farmed for other farms until August 1956, when he entered boot camp for the Armed Forces of the United States in Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he received a good conduct medal. Then he was sent over seas to Korea for the rest of his military career. Willie was honorably discharged on May 15, 1962.He returned home and farmed on halves with the Hanson family milking cows, raising beef cattle and crops.
On January 14, 1968 Willis was united in marriage with Shelvy Jean Nims at Elgin Methodist Church. Two children were born to this union, Beth Jane and Mark James. In 1970, they moved to rural Egin and farmed the McDonald farm, where they raised beef cattle and crops until the late 1980’s. They then returned to the family farm until 1993. Willie went to work part-time for Steve Matt until he retired in 2019.
Willie enjoyed riding his quarter horses, driving his draft horse teams and coon hunting. His most treasured moments were spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Willie is survived by his wife, Shelvy; daughter, Beth Schott (Craig Christianson) of Elgin, Iowa; son, Mark Schott (Stacy Rose) of Clermont, Iowa; grandchildren, Cody (Alyssa) Steffans, Blaine (Ashlee) Everman, Kelsi Christianson, Wyatt Schott, Whitney (Adam) Schott and Will (Katelyn) Schott; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Collins, Kyler, Hadlee, Norah, Tyson, Chace, Kingston, Lily, Asher, Dawson, Conner, Addison, Aleigha, Tamera, Paisley, Willow and Winston,; sisters-in-law, Joyce Schott of Clermont, Iowa and Karolyn Moritz of Elgin, Iowa.
Preceding Willie in death were his parents, Fred and Ruth Schott; sister, Jane; brother, Marvin “Buck”, Lawrence “Larry”, Arthur “Art”, Duane “Sandy”, and Gary “Butch”.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday October 15, 2023 at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont, Iowa is assisting the family with services.