Francis J. Schilling

Francis J. Schilling, 93, of Eau Claire, WI died August 20, 2018, just six days short of his 94th birthday. He was born August 26, 1924 at 5:00 in the morning (he always said he knew the time because he was there!). Francis was born near Marathon, WI, the seventh of eight children, to Henry and Emma (Heilman) Schilling. Francis served in Naval Aviation during World War II. He was proud of his work at the Navy’s engine test stand where he operated, tested, adjusted, and repaired large radial aircraft engines for use in America’s military aircraft. Following the war, with jobs hard to find, Francis and his brother Marvin bought two used trucks. They formed Schilling Brothers and began selling and hauling hay, grain, and seed and shearing sheep in Wisconsin and neighboring states. This experience ultimately led Francis to found the F.J. Schilling Trucking Company of Eau Claire. His company specialized in hauling bulk petroleum products and, during the summer months, provided landscaping services for many years in the Eau Claire area. He was especially proud of his company’s enviable safety record, repeatedly earning awards for accident free service. Francis married Rosalie Streveler of Halder, WI on September 25, 1948. They lived in Eau Claire since 1951. Francis and Rosalie had four children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. In addition to working long hours in his business, Francis served for a time as head of the Sacred Heart Parish Holy Name Society. He launched “Operation Understanding” between the various religious faiths in the Eau Claire area to foster harmony. He also served with the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the truck driver training advisory board at the Chippewa Valley Technical College. And for many years, Francis was on the Board of Directors of the Consumer’s Co-op Credit Union. Francis had a quick wit and a special sense of humor. He took great joy in teaching children old-time tricks popular when he was a child. He enjoyed travel and adventure, spending many memorable winters with Rosalie in their Airstream as snowbirds. Dozens of trips took them camping and 4-wheeling from the highest areas in the Colorado Rockies to below sea level in Death Valley. Francis was a loving father and husband. He visited Rosalie every day for three years at Dove Healthcare-West prior to her death in 2015. He enjoyed boating and water skiing, rode motorcycles, sponsored stock car and tractor-pull contestants, and worked on anything mechanical. He had several inventions including a “Tinkle Toy” alarm system intended to help cure children of bed-wetting. Francis was an avid aircraft buff and attended the launch and landing of the Space Shuttle several times. Francis had a strong Catholic faith that influenced him throughout his life. He was active in his parish, prayed often, and held himself and others to a high standard. Francis was loved by his family and friends. He taught by example as well as words. He showed the rewards of hard work and instilled in his children the pride that comes from a job well done. He led by following his convictions and did not waiver from doing the right thing. He resided at Orchard Hills Assisted Living for a time and then at Dove Healthcare-West. Finally, he entered the Azura Memory Care facility in April of 2018 where he remained until his death. The family would like to thank the staff at Dove Healthcare-West, Orchard Hills, and Azura Memory Care for the loving and attentive care he received. Francis is survived by his children, Larry (Mary) Schilling of Lancaster, CA, Linda (Charlie) Anderson of Westboro, WI, Brian (Sharlene) Schilling of Eau Claire, and Steve (Judy) Schilling of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Adam Schilling, Jodi Kleppe, Brandon Anderson, Heather (Joseph) Paul, and Lindsay (Adam) Van De Ven; and five great-grandchildren, Kloey, Aurora, Cade, Huxley, and Anna.He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie; his parents; and his seven siblings, Lillian, Hilda, Elda, Ralph, Sylvia, Marvin, and Celine. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street in Eau Claire. Father Tom Krieg will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the West Chapel of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn, 1405 N Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire and one hour prior to Mass at Church. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Eau Claire. To express online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery
Omaha Street
Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Tuesday, August 28 2018
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home-WEST CHAPEL
1405 N. Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Wednesday, August 29 2018
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church
2502 11th Street
Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, August 29 2018
11:00 AM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church
2502 11th Street
Eau Claire WI 54703