Allan Schillinger

Allan Paul Schillinger was born May 25, 1927, in Wolf Point, Montana. He was the second child born to Joseph and Cecelia (Lenz) Schillinger, and grew up on the farm with his brother Leo and later, sister Joan.

Allan attended the Schillinger Country School for his elementary education and graduated from Circle High School in 1945. While in high school he met Shirley Ann Njaa. They were married June 9, 1947 and moved to the family farm near Vida. There they raised their three children - Don, Jim and Dianne.

A lifelong farmer, Allan was dedicated to doing the best for his land. He first farmed with his father, then later became partners with his brother Leo, and still later with his son Jim. Following in his dad's footsteps, Allan enjoyed playing independent baseball with his Vida teammates. Allan and Shirley were sports enthusiasts and followed their children as the played for the Circle Wildcats and the Grizzlies, and later as they coached high school sports. They were happy to be able to travel to support their grandchildren as they participated in many sports.

Although he lived in the same place almost his life, Allan enjoyed travelling with Shirley, especially trips to Hawaii, Japan and Hong Kong. He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church of Vida, the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. He served on the school boards at both Vida and Circle, and was appointed to serve on the State Hail Insurance Board.

The last few years of his life, Allan lived in the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, where he received great care. He was very grateful for Dr. Zilkoski's presence in the last weeks.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley, his wife of 69 years, brother Leo and his wife Beverly, sister Joan and her husband Dale Goodale, his son-in-law Wade Sukut and his granddaughter, Nikki Lee Schillinger. He is survived by his children Don and Nancy Schillinger, Jim and Debi Schillinger and Dianne Sukut. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren: Shawna (Bryan) Batchelor, Kelli (Ray) Sebestyen, Michelle (Paul) Mehling, Brandy (Tyler) Greff, Jace (Amie) Schillinger, Shann (Ericka) Schillinger, Nicole (Kelly) Keyser, and Brent (Lauren) Sukut . He is also survived by 9 great-grandsons and 8 great-granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 30th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Luncheon will follow at Country Market with interment at Vida Cemetery immediately following.