Richard "Dirk" Schilling

Richard Dirk Schilling, age 56, of Wheaton, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Born May 5, 1968, in Dixon, IL, the eldest to Richard and Donna Schilling, Dirk graduated from Dixon High School in 1986 and earned a B.S. in accounting from Northern Illinois University in 1990. He was a devoted husband to his wife Shelley of nearly 20 years and a loving father to daughter Sydney Reagan Schilling (18) and son Richard Sean Schilling (17).
Professionally, Dirk enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career as a CPA, starting his own firm Schilling & Associates in 2005. He enjoyed his work, especially the relationships he forged with clients, who became friends.
For Dirk, his children were at the forefront of all he enjoyed. He had a passion for his children's sports. Whether in a coaching role, an analyst role, as a scorekeeper (Gamechanging-100's of the kid's ball games) or simply an avid fan; he was always a strong voice in the stands, supporting all they did. He analyzed stats and provided valuable information in support of each of the teams his kids played on. While his children forged friendships in these activities, Dirk and Shelley did as well, finding some of their closest friends in those very stands.
A lifelong Bears fan, and season ticket holder for over 25 years, he enjoyed sharing his love for the Bears with his family and friends. Dirk and Shelley took many to the games over the years to cheer on the team regardless of the outcome. A special highlight was attending Super Bowl XXX in Miami in 2007. Dirk was an avid golfer. Whether attending the Masters, playing Pebble Beach or participating in local charity outings with friends and family, golf was a great joy.
He was a valued 20-year member of Gary United Methodist Church, most recently serving on the finance committee. He sat on the board of the Werthy Foundation, a cause that meant a great deal to him.
After marrying Shelley (Weber) of Fairbury, IL on September 3, 2005, they built a life together in Wheaton, where they both began their professional careers. Over the years his neighbors called him friend and his community knew him well. Dirk enjoyed traveling to Florida, finding comfort and joy in their family home in Lakewood Ranch, and of course, the golf.
Dirk was a man who was generous with his time, thoughtful in his heart and passionate about the people in his life. He was blessed with a loving marriage and a strong bond with his parents, his siblings and his children and will be missed by all, including his much loved four-legged friend, Buzz Lightyear.
Along with his wife Shelley, and two children Sydney and Rich, Dirk is survived by his parents Richard and Donna Schilling of Dixon, IL; brother Drew (Traci) Schilling of Byron, IL, sister Dyna (Gina) Karas-Schilling of Pewaukee, WI; and nieces Natalie, Alexia, Kate and Neve and nephew Maximus. Dirk's in-laws Dennis and Linda Weber of Lakewood Ranch, FL and brother-in-law Steve (Teresa Trella) Weber of Fairbury, IL.
Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Dirk's life and the cherished moments he left with us.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m. in Gary's Sanctuary. A livestream of the service will be available on the Church's homepage.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the family to be used for the children's educational funds, Gary United Methodist Church or the Werthy Foundation.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027. To send flowers to the family of Richard, please visit our floral store.