MARK SCHILLING

MARK SCHILLING Mark Schilling, 74, of rural Clear Lake, S.D., passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Sanford Clear Lake Medical Center in Clear Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 10 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clear Lake. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 9 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. with a rosary to follow. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Clear Lake. Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake has been entrusted with the arrangements. Mark Francis Schilling was born on August 30, 1951, in Springfield. Mark was the son of Joseph and Irene (Soukup) Schilling. He grew up on a farm near Wanda, where he developed a strong work ethic milking cows before and after school, and a healthy sense of humor working with his siblings, whom he kept in close contact with throughout his life. After high school, Mark served in the National Guard. During that time, he worked for Control Data where he had fun memories working with his cousin, JoAnn. Mark shared a love of riding motorcycles with his dad and siblings, even going on a bike trip to California with his cousins. He began farming outside of Lamberton. Mark shared 49 years of marriage with his wife Pauline, whom he loved to travel with and share the ins and outs of daily life. They moved to a farm northwest of Clear Lake in 1980. Together they raised five children, Ryan (Michelle) Schilling of Clear Lake; Sheila (Caleb) Ten Eyck of Festus, Mo.; Gary Schilling of Clear Lake; Lisa (Joe) Ferguson of Canby; and Jared (Renee) Schilling of Clear Lake. Mark enjoyed bringing his family on a yearly vacation, always taking time to stop at farm implements along the way. He shared his faith with his family and could be found each Sunday in church making sure the way home involved a treat and a long ride in the car to check crops. Mark loved being "Grandpa" to his 15 grandchildren of whom he always had time to make smile. As a lifelong farmer, he was proud to have his sons follow in his footsteps. Mark enjoyed being a part of his community and served on different agricultural boards as well as, was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic church. He loved company and was often found visiting with neighbors, friends, and family, whether on the farm or with the local coffee crowd in his later years. Mark is lovingly remembered by his wife Pauline, five children and their spouses, 15 grandchildren, siblings: Jim (Ann) Schilling, Pat (Paul) Rohlik, Dave (Kathy) Schilling, Robert Schilling, Joseph Schilling, brother and sister in-laws: Martin Goche, David Goche, Geri (Jim) DePriest, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene Schilling, his sister, Kathy Schilling, and his father-and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Bernadette Goche.