DAN SCHILLING Jr.

1948 - 2024

DAN EDWARD SCHILLING JR. Dan Edward Schilling Jr., 75, of Leavenworth died Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at home. He was born September 7, 1948, in Wichita, Kan., to Dan Schilling Sr. and Norma Greene. He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Ricky (Erica) and Ashly (Todd); grandchildren, Maggie, Benji, Isaac and Juda; and his sisters Linda (Chris) and Judy. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dan followed his dad's footsteps serving in the United States Army, he graduated from Westpoint in 1970 and married Mary Lee Wallin the following year. Dan served in the Vietnam War as well as numerous state-side and overseas assignments, including Germany and Honduras. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State, precipitating one of his most notable achievements (although he never wanted any focus on achievements) in that he eradicated swine flu from the country of Honduras during his tour there. Dan was also an Army Ranger and parachutist. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in Leavenworth, Kan., in 1998, with nearly 23 years of active duty service distinguished by earning the Air Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He will be greatly missed. Dan spent his life taking care of his family, being curious about so many things and learning zealously, and serving his country and protecting the innocent; especially animals. Channeling his love for creatures into the practice of Veterinary Medicine for the Army, he enriched the lives of those around him with a steady parade of "pets," domestic, wild and otherwise - including a sheep farm as a vet student (what better way to get reps in?) rescuing and repairing multiple injured birds in Germany, rabbits, dogs, fish, Peggy the cat...and may have incorrectly named an egg-laying parakeet, "Bob." His incredible intelligence was hard to keep up with but he made us all better for it. He was well-researched on every topic and was the designated "ask Dan/Dad/Grandpa/Papa" encyclopedia for his friends and family - a ready answer only a text away. A teacher at heart, he focused many of the lessons he shared on what was truly important; car maintenance, being responsible with money, leadership and service, "do it now," and encouraging curiosity in others via the assignment of "homework." His selfless legacy will live on in everyone who he loved. A memorial service will begin at 12 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Dan loved flowers, but would be happier to know that his friends and family are supporting the great work of local charities: Leavenworth Chapter of the Council on Aging, www.leavenworthcounty.gov/COA via Paypal, PayPal handle is @LVCOA (phone number is 913-684-0785) or the Salvation Army (select "donate" on website): https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/leavenworth/.