Gerald Schilling
September 17, 1926 ~ May 26, 2016
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Gerald Schilling, 89, of Miller, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.
Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 30, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial was held at 12:30 p.m., Monday, May 30 at the Wessington Cemetery. Visitation was held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 29, 2016 with a 4:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.
Gerald was born on September 17, 1926 in Pierre, SD to Adolph and Minnie (Otto) Schilling. He spent most of his life in the Vayland/Wessington area, graduating from Wessington High School in 1944. He enlisted in the United Sates Navy on January 19, 1945, proudly serving as Navy 3rd class Storekeeper aboard the USS McCaffery destroyer in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Upon discharge from the Navy, Gerald worked for Bank of America in California. He returned to Wessington to pursue his life passion of farming.
On October 1, 1949, Gerald married the love of his life, Leona Murphy. During the early years of their married life, they enjoyed dancing. In 1984, Gerald and Leona moved to Clark, SD where Gerald was a rural letter carrier until his retirement in 1989. During his retirement, Gerald spent many hours in his wood shop creating decorative wood pieces.
Gerald’s kids and grandkids were his pride and joy. In addition, Gerald served on the Grand Township School Board and Grand Township Board. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Miller, VFW in Miller, American Legion in Wessington, Masonic Lodge in Wessington, and the SD Rural Letter Carriers Association.
Grateful for having shared his life is his wife of 66 years, Leona; two sons, Dan (Patty) Schilling of Wessington and Jerry (Sherryl) Schilling of Centerton, AR; two daughters, Debra (Bob) Zeidler of Rapid City and Jane (Dave) Heard of Rapid City; 16 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Wilma Ochs and Donna DeShazer; and son-in-law, Reno Veskrna.
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Best neighbor ever. Gerald made us many things from scraps of wood that Tim would give him. Still have and use them today. Will miss him.
Blessings to Dan and all the Shilling family. Join us in keeping them in our prayers. Blessings – Justin and Lynnie
So sorry for your loss and he was very great guy. Our Deepest Sympathy Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
I am so sorry for your loss. Gerald was a wonderful man. He always had a grand smile for everyone, and always spoke to you. I missed seeing him in church on Christmas Eve services when we came to Miller. I send my prayers to all the family and know that he was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. God takes only the very best angels!
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Gerald Schilling. Patricia & Mary Shaw
Our Sympathy to the Schilling families. Gerald always had a smile and time to visit..
Dear Schilling Family – I’m so sorry for your loss – find peace in your loving memories…
Dan & Patty – Thinking of you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in many happy memories.