Carlton P. Schulke

Carlton Paul Schulke passed away April 26, 2023, in Bloomington, Illinois.  He was 95 years old.  

Carlton was born in Aurelia, Iowa, on March 18, 1928, to Charles and Delia Schulke.  He was the third of 10 children.  

Carlton grew up on his family farm, attended the Diamond Township country school and graduated from Aurelia High School in 1945.   He farmed with his dad, then graduated from Greer Automotive Mechanics Program in Chicago, IL, in 1950.  In 1951, he was drafted into the Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.

Carlton married Bethene Johnson of Dayton, Iowa, on June 3, 1956.  They lived and farmed south of Aurelia for 36 years.  They have 5 children:  Steve (Cheryl), Gary (Beth), Cynthia (Jeff Linert), Dian (Jeff Mauth), and Martin (Tricia Kennedy).  

Carlton and Bethene enjoyed travelling to visit their kids and grandkids in Illinois, New Mexico and Arizona, Washington, Minnesota, and New York.   

He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers (Gordon, Kenneth, Neil) and 2 sisters (Nadine, Janice). 

He is survived by his wife and children as well as 11 grandchildren (Wesley, Cameron, Forest, Nicholas, Evan, Casey, Jamie, Caitlin, Kyle, Anna, Luke), 1 great-grandchild (Marcella), and 4 brothers (Jim, Doug, Byron, Dana).

A family graveside service will be held in the future (Pleasant Hill Cemetery, in Aurelia.)

Carlton was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aurelia, Iowa.   Memorials in Carlton’s name can be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.  St. Paul Lutheran Church, 501 Locust Street, Aurelia, Iowa, 51005.