ELTEN F. SCHILLER

ELTEN SCHILLER Obituary

SCHILLER, ELTEN F. Elten F. Schiller passed away at his San Diego home on March 10, 2012 at the age of 88. Elten was born in Essen, Germany on October 17, 1923, and arrived in the United States with his family on his first birthday. He was raised on a farm in Bellaire, Ohio. He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1943, and while in the Navy he met his wife Valorie, also a Navy veteran. Following Elten's discharge from the Navy in 1947, he began a lifelong career working in the front office for two professional baseball teams. He worked as the General Manager for the Dodgers' minor league affiliates from 1947-1971 in St. Paul, Minnesota; Omaha, Nebraska; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Spokane, Washington. In 1961, while working for the Omaha Dodgers, he was named Minor League Executive of the Year. From 1971 until his retirement in 1988, Elten worked as Sr. Vice President Director of Business Operations for the San Diego Padres. Elten was an innovator in the business of baseball and was sensitive to the common fan concerns and desires. As a result he initiated the concept of the sponsored promotional giveaways at games, weekday business specials, Junior and Senior Padres membership clubs, the first computer generated ticket system, the mini season ticket and payment plan, plus initiated the community volunteer ticket sales force known in San Diego as the Padres Action Team. In 1992, Elten received special recognition from the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Francis Vincent, for conceiving the idea for inviting fans for MLB All-Star workout day. The 1982 book "Baseball Stamps...Autographs" was written by Elten as he was a knowledgeable and renowned collector of baseball stamps and first day covers which he was able to have autographed by the many baseball personalities he knew throughout his life. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to many locations around the world including Russia and Germany. Elten retired from the Padres in 1988 but continued to attend their home games through 2011, and he stayed in touch with many of the baseball people that he worked with during his 41-year baseball career. He loved baseball and it was his life's passion. He was often quoted as saying, "I had the best job in the world for over 40 years." Elten's beloved wife Val, the heart and soul of his world, passed away in 1997. He is survived by his daughters Linda and Carol, his son Jeff, his grandsons Barry and Jesse, and his sisters Helene, Irene, and Darlene. A private gathering will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, Elten wanted any donations to be made to San Diego Hospice http://www.sdhospice.org/san-diego-hospice-ways-to-give.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Mar. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ELTEN SCHILLER

8 Entries

Derek Dockter

April 7, 2017

I didn't know Mr. Schiller, but have really appreciated learning about him during the last couple of years. I first learned of him through my collecting of autographed first day covers. During the last couple of years, I have had the privilege of obtaining a few pieces from his collection of signed baseball postal covers. I treasure those pieces and take great pride in caring for them. I am grateful for the opportunity to share with my children the same baseball history that Mr. Schiller archived in these pieces. A remarkable man. Thanks.

Elten and his sisters 2009

Sheryl Fairchild

March 19, 2012

My Uncle Elt was a kind, generous, gentle man. I can remember when he took us to Mexico for an afternoon of shopping and he helped me purchase a bracelet (which I still have), he took us to the San Diego Zoo and of course out for "German Pancakes" at his favorite breakfast restaurant. My condolences to Linda, Jeff, and Carol and his sisters - Helene, Darlene, and Irene. May God bless his family and friends at this time of sadness. He will be greatly missed.

March 18, 2012

Elten hired me right after Ray Kroc saved the Padres from moving to Washington DC in late 1973. I have wonderful memories of working for the Padres in 1974. Elten was always so kind and encouraging. I can picture him in his office on level 2A in the at San Diego Stadium in Mission Valley. Elten will always be one of the nicest people I've ever known. You'll never be forgotten. I loved hearing baseball stories that Elten would share with me. We both loved baseball so much. God Bless you and your family.
Rob Levi

Jeff Schiller

March 17, 2012

My Dad Elten was an amazing person. We've had so many letters, calls, and emails from people that Dad influenced over the many years. We've received letters from the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Commissioner of Major League Baseball as well. He was a one of kind individual and I was proud to be his son. I'll miss him terribly.

Darlene Ray

March 16, 2012

Elt was my brother and I will miss him so very much, and one I am so proud to have had for almost 72 years. He was a wonderful, generous man.

March 15, 2012

I was honored to have worked with Elten at the Padres from 1982 to 1988. He made valuable contributions to the Padres franchise and Major League Baseball, was an amazing mentor and truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. Elten lived his life honorably and I feel so fortunate to have known him. My sincerest condolences to the family. May God comfort you during this time of loss.

Steve S

March 15, 2012

I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and have worked with Elten. He was a wonderful example of how to provide superior service to customers in the most professional manner possible. May God bless and comfort his family and close friends at this time of loss. Hopefully they will be mindful of the many lives Elten so positively touched.

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