Erika A. Schilling, 90

Born: Nov. 24, 1922

Died: Feb. 3, 2013

Erika’s life began on Nov. 24, 1922, in Breitenstein, Germany, the daughter of Reinhold and Martha (Mueller) Pjesky.

She was a graduate of Dowagiac Central High School.

She was united in marriage to Howard A. Schilling on May 3, 1947, in Dowagiac.

Erika was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and was the church organist for 60 years.  She was also a member of the St. John’s Ladies Guild.

Erika worked at Rudy Manufacturing as a young person, and she was more than just a housewife. She and Howard worked the family farm together for 35 years.

She loved her gardens, sewing, being a 4-H leader and her animals. Erika enjoyed playing cards and being with friends and family.

Her loving family includes: her children, Barbara (Paul) Deja of St. Joseph, John (Charlene) Schilling of Eau Claire and Andrew (Debra) Schilling of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Ryan (Christine) Schilling, Randall Schilling, Elizabeth Deja, John (Stacey) Deja, Amanda Schilling, Matthew (Stephanie) Schilling and Derek Schilling; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Hildegard Gordon of Dowagiac.

Erika passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. She is preceded in death by Howard, her husband of 61 years, in 2008.

Her family will gather with friends on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel.

Her funeral service will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church led by the Rev. Jeffrey Weber.

She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Erika at www.yazel-clark.com.