Search by Name

Search by Name

DAVID SCHILLERSTROM Obituary


SCHILLERSTROM Colonel DAVID O. SCHILLERSTROM Colonel David O. Schillerstrom of Arlington, Virginia, died on the morning of March 13, 2014 after a 3-month illness. He passed at Capital Caring Hospice, with the day's first light streaming in on him from a nearby window. David had a life-long dedication to his country, to his family, and to his friends. He delighted in his children and his extended family, and was devoted to his wife, Carol, with whom he shared a rare compatibility for more than 62 years. He cherished her most among his life's many blessings. David took tremendous pride in his professional life, and his support was unwavering for those with whom he served and for those whom he mentored. Many colleagues became life-long friends. He nurtured the best in people, and rejoiced in their success. A man of inspiring courage, David met his challenges gracefully and with a wry sense of humor. Mindful of his life's many blessings, he never stopped contributing to the lives of others and to the country he cherished. Born April 28, 1929, in Gibson City, Illinois to Rev. Glen and Ethyl Schillerstrom, David spent his early years in Jacksonville, Illinois, and moved as a teenager to Clarendon Hills when his father became the pastor of the Presbyterian church. He graduated in 1947 from Hinsdale High School, Hinsdale, Illinois, and from the University of Illinois in l954 with a BA in English literature. He earned his MA in public administration from The George Washington University in 1966. Commissioned in 1954, David began his Public Affairs career at Turner, AFB, Albany, GA. He then served at Torrejon AFB, Madrid, Spain, Wright Patterson, AFB, Dayton, Ohio and the Strategic Air Command, Omaha, NE. He was an outstanding graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell, AFB, Montgomery, AL in 1966. From there he went to the Pentagon and then Vietnam. He returned to the Pentagon and remained until 1977, when he left to become Director of Information for SAC. His last assignment was Deputy Director of Information for the Air Force at the Pentagon. He retired in 1984 after 30 years of service. David's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and Bronze Star. Following retirement, he was the Vice President of Communications for the Aerospace Industries Association for ten years. He was a member of the Army Navy Country Club, The National Press Club, The Military Order of the Carabao, The Air Force Association, and The Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association, which he helped to found. On his retirement, David received a portrait of himself on a mock Airman Magazine cover titled, "Officer, Gentleman, Friend." He was that and more. Everywhere David went and with whomever he interacted, he treated people with respect and kindness. He will be missed not only by his family, friends, and colleagues, but by many of those working in the places he frequented. David is survived by his wife, Carol Schillerstrom; son, David A. Schillerstrom (Luanne Lukes); two daughters, Linda C. Schillerstrom (Steve Schechter); and Karen Brownsword (Derek Brownsword); and many family members in Naperville, Illinois. A brief service will be held at the Old Post Chapel in Fort Myer at 11 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2014, followed by interment with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Capital Caring Hospice or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID SCHILLERSTROM

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Ellen Smith

August 16, 2014

That is one of the nicest and most fitting obituaries I have ever read. I was 22 when Dave hired me and I know I am one of a long line he mentored and supported in his career and life. I only saw him a few times after I left Washington, but his example (professionally and personally) has always been with me. He steered me into and away from more than a few important decisions and situations in my young life! And always with wit and grace. I am blessed to have known him and very sorry I won't be at Arlington next Friday. My husband Ian and I send our deepest sympathy and best wishes to Carol and the family.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in DAVID SCHILLERSTROM's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for DAVID SCHILLERSTROM

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support DAVID's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor DAVID SCHILLERSTROM's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more