Henry Scholten

Henry Scholten, Class of 1938

2020/2021 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee 

Posthumous 

Service to HPS and Community 

Henry Scholten graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1938. He was married to Margaret (Hanes) in 1941 and drafted into the US Army in 1944 where he served in the 100th infantry. He was moved to communications in France and Germany and was responsible for establishing communications for advancing troops. 

Henry has a significant history with the Hudsonville fairgrounds. In 1948, Henry purchased property next to the fairgrounds and as the story goes, he stopped by the office, introduced himself to a couple of board members, and was a fair board member himself by the time he left. He obtained grant money from the state and purchased 40 acres of land bordered by Grand, Park and 40th Streets and the railroad. He also obtained grant money for the buildings that were erected. He served on the Hudsonville Fair Board for 40 years and was President of the Michigan Association of Fairs. 

Henry owned a barbershop in Hudsonville and was privy to community concerns. It was in this way that Henry became instrumental in improving the dusty roads of Hudsonville before paved roads. He eventually was voted in as a village counselor and in that capacity, worked with State officials to make Hudsonville a city. That happened in 1957. 

For 13 years, he served as City Manager. During this time, he worked for the development of Hudsonville at the I-196 freeway and the building of a water tower on the south side of the city. He was also Hudsonville City Commissioner and Mayor. 

Henry also saw the analysis of the development of Hudsonville and the purchasing of land to build 3 city parks. He played a role in the location of the Gary Byker Library on VanBuren and the development of water and sewer lines throughout the city. He helped with the purchase of land for the new City Hall and the establishment of WCET. 

His involvement with the Lions Club of Hudsonville for over 40 years produced the travelogue film series. He also served on many other committees and boards including the Hudsonville Christian School board and the Zeeland Community hospital board. 

Henry passed away in 2012 but he left his family with a legacy of steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, always praying for wisdom in making decisions for his family’s life and the City of Hudsonville which he loved dearly. Henry and his wife Margaret have four children: Marian Luttikhuizen, Ardith Rubingh, Karen Kraal, and Shirley Pyper along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.