Cecil Scholten Returns Home After Near-Death Experience

Cecil Scholten, the La Grange HEB employee who nearly died of a heart attack while sacking groceries at work on Dec. 17, came home from the hospital last Monday, Jan. 10.

Scholten spent a week in a coma before waking up at Dell Seton Hospital in Austin on Christmas Eve. The hospital released him on Jan. 3. He then spent a week at the Warm Springs rehabilitation center in Buda.

Scholten’s near-death and recovery captivated a great many people in La Grange who know him as the ever-smiling worker who carries groceries and helps old ladies cross the driveway at HEB. Scholten spoke with the Record last Monday after he came home.

“I didn’t know I had that big of a following,” Scholten said about the outpouring of support coming his way. “I’m glad I do, because this is my town and these are my friends. This is what I love about La Grange. This is a friendly town. We all stick together.”

Scholten said he will need a triple-by-pass surgery once he gets a little strong. He does not have health insurance, however.

Cecil’s wife Lisa Scholten said a benefit meal has been scheduled for Saturday, March 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Randolph Recreation Center in La Grange, dine-in or drive through, with proceeds going toward Cecil’s medical expenses.

– Andy Behlen