Wilbur Schillinger

Wilbur Schillinger, 79, of St. Joseph, MI, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, MI, with his loving wife at his side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 30, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Market St., St. Joseph, with Pastor Michael Roth and Pastor Thomas Batsky officiating. Burial and Military Rites conducted by the Stevensville American Legion Post #568 to follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hospice at Home, or the donor’s choice. Those wishing to share a memory of Wilbur may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Wilbur was born September 24, 1934 in Benton Harbor, MI to Thomas and Ruth (Johnson) Schillinger. He was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School in 1952. He joined the Navy in August 1954 serving his country in the Korean War before being honorably discharged in August 1956. Wilbur then started his undergraduate education at Western Michigan University, going on to receive his Juris Doctorate in Law from the Detroit College of Law. On September 5, 1959 he married Helen Wagner at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor, MI. He started his career working in a private law practice. Wilbur then served as the Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Berrien County. He ended his career serving as a Probate Judge for 14 years, a position in which he was appointed by Governor Milliken in 1980. Wilbur was a member of the Elks Golf Club, St. Joseph F.O.P Lodge #96, Stevensville American Legion Post #568, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Wilbur enjoyed Michigan State sports and the Cleveland Indians. He was an avid fisherman, frequently fishing with his buddies Robert Kish, Paul Franklin and Jerry Nemitz, and golf partner Ray Loikits. Wilbur will be remembered for the fish dinners he put on for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Helen; daughter Jennifer Devereaux of Villa Rica, GA; grandchildren Hunter and Kiley Devereaux; sister Shirley (Jerry) Kublick of Bonita Springs, FL; sisters-in-law Donna Radde, Betty Wagner and Linda Wagner; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ralph Schillinger.