Donald Edwin Schlottman
U. S. Army
World War II

Donald Edwin Schlottman was born on 15 January 1920 in Doering, WI. He was the son of Charles and Grace (Barker) Schlottman. When Don was a child, his family was poor and they had to resort to living in a railroad boxcar, where they had no running water and had to take sponge baths. Don enjoyed fishing in Minnesota during his earlier years.

Donald married Rose McGale in 1943 and they had four children: Fredrick, Dwight, Craig and Carolyn.

Military Service

During World War II, Donald Schlottman served with Dwight D. Eisenhower at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) as a member of Eisenhower's Message Control. While at the German surrender in Rheims, France, he typed up the original VE-Day message to be sent stateside, announcing the end of the war in Europe.

In his later years while he was still able, he would travel around the country with his wife to what they would call "Eisenhower Reunions." His interest in World War II continued up until his death.

Post-Military Life

Donald was blessed with a job at Fisher Body in Willow Springs, IL, and he retired from that company in 1985.

Donald enjoyed vacationing at his cabin at Lake Camelot in Rome, WI. He loved his poodles Angel, Monique and Gi-Gi. When he was able, he loved to tell stories, fix things, and do crossword puzzles. He was known to his grandchildren as "Grandpa Chickey."

In his later years, Donald suffered a stroke and lost his ability to speak. He remained at home being cared for by his wife until his death.

Death and Burial

Donald Edwin Schlottman died on 26 December 2006 in Villa Park, IL. He was cremated and his ashes were given to his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Rose; sons Fred, Dwight (Sue), Craig (Linda) and daughter Carolyn; grandchildren Scott (Anna), Cindy (Larry), Justin, Jason, Geoffrey (Cindy), Matthew (Katie), Lisa, Eric, Tracy, Heidi (Jim), Steven and Kristin; great-grandchildren, Kory, Skye, Abigail, Brianna, Johnnessa, Kayla, Skyler, Noah, Cameron, and Elizabeth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Frederick, and Ernest; sisters Evelyn and Madeline; and son-in-law, John.