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Herman 'Sonny' Schilling, 92, Orofino
Herman 'Sonny' Schilling, Jr., was born to Herman and Effie Schilling in DeKalb, IL on June 2, 1920. He passed away April 19, 2013 from age related causes. Sonny was the oldest of 11, Warren, Curtis, Elmer, Dorothy, Clarence, Marvin, Lawrence, Mildred, Ester and Ron. The family moved to North Dakota in 1926.
Herman joined the CCCs (Civilian Conservation Corps) when he was 16. This was his first time in Idaho. He left the CCCs in 1938 and moved back to North Dakota. While in Idaho he me Annabell Pearsall. On June 14, 1941, they were married. Annabell was the love of his life.
In 1942, he went to work in the shipyards in Vancouver, WA. Robert was born March 7, 1943 in Vancouver. While in Vancouver, he was picked to work with the U.S. Maritime Commission for the Navy. They kept calling him for the draft, but the Maritime Commission wouldn't let him go. He finally quit his job and moved back to Orofino so he could enlist. He went to Spokane, WA for his physical, but failed due to high blood pressure. He went to work at the cement plant in Orofino. After a couple months, he went back to the shipyards to work. Sandy was born in the same hospital as Robert on June 13, 1945. Two months later, they moved back to Orofino where Sonny went to work at O'Mill. After a couple of years he went to work at the Ford garage during the day and swing shift at White Pine Lumber. Gloria was born May 6, 1947 in Orofino.
In 1953, they built a home in Orofino. Not long after the house was built, he had a chance to take over the Texaco station in town. They sold both of their houses and bought a lot at 130 G. St. and built a house there. On June 4, 1955, another son, Leslie was born. Four years later, last but not least on Aug. 24, 1959, Vicki was born. He ran the station for 26 years. Dad sold the station in the 1970s and went to work at Konkolville Lumber, then O'Keefe Oil and driving school bus.
Sonny and Annabell celebrated many wedding anniversaries with friends and family. They had celebrated their 71st anniversary together. Sonny and Annabell moved into Brookside Landing last summer so they would have an easier life. Annabell passed away on Oct. 21, 2012. Dad was lost without her.
The family spent a lot of time enjoying camping, fishing and hunting. Most summers there was a vacation to the coast to visit the people mom and dad got to know when living over there. Sonny had many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad can now be at peace again because he is with his true love, Mom.
Sonny and Annabell were lifelong members of Ascension Lutheran Church. We would like to thank all their friends that have helped out over the years, but special thanks to Roger and Lila who have gone above and beyond. Also thanks to Brookside for all their patience and caring.
Services will be at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, with burial to follow at Weseman Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ascension Lutheran Church or Orofino Senior Center.
Pine Hills Funeral Chapel and Crematory is caring for arrangements.
Transcribed by Michal Berreth-Beck