Patrick James Schilling

Our amazing Patrick James Schilling (52), went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 after a 7 year battle with a unique, never-before-seen form of Glioblastoma. Patrick fought hard and lived harder to beat this vicious beast but in the end he grew weary. While his journey home was far too soon for his family and friends, it was a peaceful homecoming for him.

Patrick was the first-born son to Jim and Evelyn (Lerfald) Schilling on January 15, 1973 in Dickinson, ND. He later welcomed a younger brother Travis who quickly became his best bud and rambunctious cohort. They grew up together in Valley City, ND. Patrick would often talk about his love of "Highliner Blue" and all the fun times he had growing up there creating many memories with his beloved friends. The Family Farm near Buxton, ND was a home away from home as spending time with his grandparents and extended family always made him smile.

Patrick was a go-getter, never-stop-moving kind of kid. Always concocting some scheme to have the best time of his life and would drag anyone around him along. Never in too much trouble though, he was always a kind, generous spirit who would light up the room and hearts with his beautiful, sometimes mischievous smile.

He played all kinds of sports growing up, but most enjoyed football and basketball especially with his talented younger brother by his side. His friends always referred to him as the life of the party as there was never a dull moment while hanging out together.

On April 19, 1997, he welcomed his son Brandon Patrick "Brando" (Belinda Thomasson) who quickly became the apple of his eye, until of course his daughters Gabriella June "Gabby Bean" (2/3/00) and Michaela Jean "Little Mick" (5/17/04) joined his crew. You could find him swimming at the lake, chasing, playing ball with Brandon, going to their activities, taking his girls to the movies and cooking up a storm for them any day of the week. He could never get enough of them.

In 2016, Patrick set his eyes upon a gal who he would shortly beg to date him. Maren quickly grabbed his heartstrings and wouldn't let go. On September 15, 2018, after many "Non-Dates", they were joined in marriage in a lakeside ceremony surrounded by their children, closest family, and friends. Including Maren's children, Blake "Blakester", (5/13/96) and Ciena "Yenna"(2/19/02) who he welcomed as his own and quickly became treasured additions for Patrick. It was a beautifully perfect day, complete with a bonfire and the addition of more siblings, nieces and nephews to the mix who also adored him. It also created wonderful new traditions, especially around Christmas that he looked forward to every year as well as the many family game nights around the kitchen table. He would try regularly to teach Maren his family favorite card game, Pinochle where Brandon and he would team up against his parents or brother whenever they had the chance. Family was everything to Patrick and it showed every day.

Patrick never shied away from hard work. He owned his own successful contracting/property management company - Schilling and Sons for many years. When Patrick and Maren would take a drive around town, as they did on their first "non-date", he would quickly point out all of the projects he had a hand in completing, such as painting decks & homes, roofing, bath remodels and the like. He also would point out who lived in which home! He so enjoyed working with his hands and put his whole heart into every endeavor. Prior to that he was busy in many trades. As long as there was a job to be had, he would do it. In many road trips with his family, he could even point out a bridge or two that he helped build.

Friends to Patrick meant so much. He was the neighborhood coffee guy, always available for a cup of joe and a visit. He never locked his door, as he would never turn away anyone looking for a chat. That of course changed when he married Maren, the locking of the door part, not the visiting! He was also a very passionate hunter. Every fall, you could find him hunting the fields near Dickinson for pheasant and deer with his best buds, Mike Jurgens, Mike Blankendaal, Brandon, his dad and many others. But don't forget any one of his precious labs who warmed his heart and made him proud with their retrievals. He would get so excited in the fall as it got nearer to hunting season. So much so that he could not contain himself. Maren loved this time of year for him, watching him get so excited was so much fun for her. He was like a kid at Christmas waiting for Santa to come! Sleep did not come easy during a much anticipated hunting season. He would make a loaf of sandwiches, pack cans of Spam and munchies days in advance. He could also be found on Prairie Lake or any other body of water for that matter, hoping to catch the next big one. If there was something to do outdoors, he would be there. Camping and road trips with Maren, especially their anniversary trips, quickly became the highlight of their year. One of his daily joys was biking around Fargo on his recumbent bike that he was so generously blessed with from some of his awesome friends. He would continuously take and send pictures, with a "Thumbs Up" to everyone on his contact list from his daily adventures as nature was his peaceful happy escape from the challenges he faced after his first surgery. He loved Fargo, especially the North Side and has many photos to prove it. He'd often report back to Maren all of the changes or new things he'd spot throughout town on his ride.

Patrick was never a complainer and always held everything in a positive light, which infected everyone around him. If you followed his story over the last seven years, you can clearly see his faith in God, his joyous heart, and fighting spirit. He never took anything or anyone for granted and could tell you how everyone was connected to another person or place or where he knew them from. Of course, many of them being his "neighbor". He truly embraced what life is supposed to be like, enjoying every moment to the fullest. Oftentimes, Maren would get a bit embarrassed as he would work up a long conversation with a complete stranger and find out they knew someone he knew, etc. And, if you were a Sioux or Twins fan, forget it, you were his best friend, too.

Patrick is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Maren; their 5 kids, Blake, Brandon, Gabby, Ciena, and Micki; his parents, Jim & Evy Schilling, Travis (Kayla) Schilling of Tacoma, WA.; father-in-law, Duane Spear of Crookston; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Brett) Hegarty of West Fargo, and Renee (Bill) Tate of Crookston; and many treasured aunts, uncles, cousins, step-nephews and nieces and great step-nephews and nieces.

Patrick was preceded in death by his wonderful grandparents, Bill & Evelyn Schilling, Reuben & Edith Lerfald, Uncles Dan, Sidney and Arden Lerfald; cousin, Adrienne Lerfald; and mother-in-law, Virginia Spear (Rustad) of Crookston.