Thomas J. Schilling
Saturday, July 25, 1931
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Age:
85 years old
Saturday, July 25, 1931
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Age:
85 years old
Saturday, July 25, 1931
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Age:
85 years old
Thomas J. Schilling
The funeral mass for Thomas J. “Tom” Schilling will be at 11am Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Pax Christi Church in Rochester, MN with Fr. Joseph Fogal officiating. Visitation will be held at Pax Christi one hour prior to the funeral services.
Mr. Schilling, 85, of Rochester, MN, formerly of Dubuque, IA, died Wednesday (March 29, 2017) at Mayo Clinic Hospital-St. Marys Campus in Rochester, MN. Tom was born July 25, 1931 in Dubuque, IA to Fred and Rose (Leitner) Schilling.
He attended Loras Academy High School. On June 9, 1951, he married Violet C. “Vi” Avenarius in Dubuque, IA. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2016. The couple lived in Dubuque until 2012 and spent winters in Weslaco, TX from 1993 through 2012. Tom retired from Dubuque Packing Company after over 40 years of service. In January 2013, they moved to Shorewood Senior Campus in Rochester, MN.
Tom is survived by his wife, Vi Schilling of Rochester; sons James (Lorie) Schilling of Letts, IA, and Timothy (Joanne) Schilling of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter Kim (Mark) Thornton of Rochester, MN; and brother, Paul (Geraldine) Schilling of Escanaba, MI. Tom has seven grandchildren: Jared Wolford, Holly (Carl) Schulz, Ryan Schilling, Cathy (Casey) Muller, Brant (Elizabeth) Thornton, Kirk Thornton, and Callie Thornton, and two great-grandchildren: Landon Comm and Jenna Muller. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Rose (Leitner) Schilling Schroeder, step-father Arnold Schroeder, one sister, Madlyn Schilling, and three brothers, Fritz, John, and Walt Schilling.
Tom and Vi lived in a home overlooking the Mississippi River in Dubuque, IA for 43 years. They enjoyed many great years there raising their family. Tom loved wood working, boating, camping, fishing, and feeding the birds. He was a hard worker who always wanted to lend a hand to help others. He was a gentle, kind man with a quick smile and great sense of humor. Tom will be remembered by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed by his loving family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of choice.
Condolences
The family of Thomas J. Schilling has received the following condolences.
My deepest sympathy to the Schilling family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Harryette Underwood
My deepest sympathy to the Schilling family, especially Jim and Lorie. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope your happy memories will give you peace.
Our thoughts are with you, Vi. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in anyway
Dear Schilling Family, especially Vi, Tim and Kim. It has been a sad week for many with the death of Tom. My deepest sympathy to all of you. It has been too many years since I visited Tom and Vi at their home. Every time I think of both Tom and Vi a flood of happy memories come to mind. Summers at Grandma Neslers cottage and days of fun on the river swimming, boating and skiing. Many walks up the path from the dock and times fishing or just lying in a hammock. A childhood of long ago and many friends I will never forget, the kindness and lessons of friendship of your family. What a special man Tom was to allow his family to live along the beautiful Mississippi and come home to a note; family out skiing on the river! What a wonderful time to be kids growing up in the 60s and 70s. As life goes on we can treasure those memories and be thankful for them. We will miss those loved ones now gone but have the hope God promises that soon death will be no more, Revelation 21:4 and a hope of seeing them again, John 5:28,29. (JW.org) May you draw strenght from family and friends and please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tell Vi that my Tom and I have sold our country place and my parents too are moving to be closer family and for health reasons. It is not where we live but being with the people we love! Thinking of you all, love your friend, Brigite (Marty) O'Mara Dubuque, Iowa
Vi, Jim, Tim, Kim and families...you are all in our thoughts and prayers. It is never easy losing someone so near and dear such as Tom was to all of you. Lots of wonderful times were spent at all the Avenarius functions...great memories that will last a lifetime. Praying for all of you that you can find peace in knowing Tom is being welcomed by all of those who have gone before him.
Love to all. Mike, Shelly and family
Vi and Family,
Saddened to hear the news of Tom's passing. Many many wonderful memories from my childhood attending family gatherings and events, including visits to your home in Massey. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Todd and Theresa Avenarius (Clarence and Ellies youngest son)