Erika Schilling

Erika’s life began on November 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, MI. Erika was a member of the 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 February 3, 2013 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Howard in 2008. Her family will gather with friends on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church led by Reverend 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 .