Robert "Bobby" Schilling

Robert "Bobby" Schilling

April 6, 2021

LE CLAIRE-Robert "Bobby" Schilling, former U.S. Congressman from Illinois, died on April 6, 2021, surrounded by his wife, Christie, and his ten children and fourteen grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Monday, April 12, 2021 at St. Malachy's Catholic Church, Geneseo. Services will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/VanHoeFuneralHome/. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline. Visitation is from 5-8 PM Sunday at St. Malachy's Church, where a rosary will be recited at the conclusion of visitation. PLEASE, in lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Women's Choice Center, Bettendorf, IA or to the Pregnancy Center, Clinton, IA

Schilling was born and raised in the west end of Rock Island, Illinois, the fourth of five children born to Francis and Patricia Schilling. He graduated from Alleman High School where he played football and was named homecoming king. Coming from a poor neighborhood and never attaining a college degree, Bobby never let hurdles of any size stand in his way. He worked at MacMillan Bloedel Container Corporation of America where he served as a union steward in the International Paperworkers Union. He went on to become an insurance agent and financial planner for Prudential Insurance where he ranked 525 out of 10,000 agents and served as the treasurer of his local United Food and Commercial Workers Union. In 1996, he started St. Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza with his family, and 25 years later the family is preparing to open their fourth location in Camanche, IA.

In 2009, Schilling decided to make a long shot bid for U.S. Congress in Illinois' 17th District, a famously gerrymandered district which had been held by Democrats for nearly thirty years. But despite the odds, Schilling was successful in his campaign, absolutely destroying incumbent Congressman Phil Hare by more than 10 points.

As a Member of Congress, Bobby was willing to work across the aisle to meet the needs of his district. He prioritized the rebuilding of the I-74 bridge and even brought Secretary of Transportation under President Obama, Ray LaHood, to inspect the bridge. He worked with Democratic colleagues to secure key provisions to help the Rock Island Arsenal in the National Defense Authorization Act. He also prioritized veterans by introducing legislation that expanded their health care access by allowing them to get care from any hospital in America - not just from the VA clinics. This legislation eventually became law. More than anything, Schilling loved the pre-born. He knew that every life has the potential to change the world and because of that he supported every piece of pro-life legislation he could.

Bobby loved God and his Catholic faith. Throughout his battle with cancer, he remained grateful to God for the life he was given and made sure his children knew how good God had been to the Schilling family. It was with the grace of God that Bobby managed to overcome many difficulties in his life. Bobby ran "as if to win the race" and he "finished the fight."

Bobby loved his family and dedicated his life to them. He wasn't concerned about a successful career as much as he was about providing for his large and growing family. He showed love for his family through his work and sacrifice. He built not one, but two homes from the ground up for his family. He enjoyed taking on challenges and proving his doubters wrong.

Bobby loved America - a nation where a poor kid from Rock Island could go on to have a successful marriage of 35 years and 10 children, own several restaurants, build two houses, and serve as a Member of Congress - all without a college degree or any privilege outside of being an American. Where else would a life like this be possible if not for America, the greatest country in the world?

Schilling is survived by his wife Christie; his ten children Terry (Katie), Aaron (Kiki), Levi (Amanda), Joe (Ashley), Isabel (Austin Ryan), Rachel (Kidd Causemaker), Olivia, Sam, Sophia, Tony, and his 14 grandchildren: Grace, Reagan, Bobby, Max, Peter, Gianna, TJ, Daniel, Evelyn, Julia, Hank, Edward, Gus, Ruth, and siblings; Richard, Michael, Dawn, and William. He is also survived by 3 pre-born grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Francis and Patricia (Kilgore).

Online condolences may be left of the family at www.vanhoe.com.