Robert Louis Schilling

Robert Louis Schilling, 69, of Chicago, IL passed away peacefully on May 22, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. Early Life Bobby was born on August 28th, 1953, in Chicago, IL to the late Harold & Marie (Slattery) Schilling. He was the second of three children, Neal (Vicki) and the late Donna. He spent his youth on the northside of Chicago, playing baseball as often as possible, and attending Gordon Technical High School. In 1977, he fell in love and married the late AnnMarie (Heiser) Schilling (28 years married), moved to the Southside, and raised six children: Joshua (Nicole), Samantha, Lyndsay, Martin (Norma), Bridget, and the late Zachary. Fatherhood Throughout the following decades, as an employee of the phone company (34 years), he helped build the city of Chicago’s telephone and network infrastructure as a fibertech and splicer. After these tireless hours, he devoted himself to coaching little league teams, baking raisin bread, fishing, telling terrifying tales, making jokes about flatulence, drawing cartoons on his children’s lunch bags, decking out the basement bar with knick-knacks, and making the most of each short day. Many calmer nights were spent with AnnMarie playing records and putting together puzzles. Retirement In 2010, Bob married his second love, Debra (Horn-Sides), and began his golden years with her. He spent his time traveling to New Orleans, repairing and riding bikes, collecting recipe books, building and playing guitars, painting, and sharing his wisdom and lifelong curiosity with his 4 grandchildren: Noah Bryan, Danielle and Desi Schilling-Orozco, and August Schilling-Muñiz. He also leaves behind a really pitiful pooch, MaggieMae, who will never be the same without him. He was a baseball aficionado. He shared his eclectic taste in bad movies and good music with anyone he came across. His presence brought humor, oddity, fascination, and especially love into the lives of his friends and family. The family will be having a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, they request donations be made to the Make-A-Wish foundation or Lungevity.com. Jensen Funeral Home, 3639 E State Rt 17, Kankakee, IL 60901 will be handling the arrangements.