Daniel Richard Schilke

1988 - 2017

Daniel Richard Schilke, 28, loving brother and son passed away in the presence of his family on October 16th, 2017. Dan had fought a courageous battle with Ewing's sarcoma.

Dan was born November 15th, 1988 in Yuma, AZ where he was raised. Daniel graduated from Cibola High School in 2007, and attended NAU for several semesters. Exploring the mountains around Flagstaff, Sedona and the Grand Canyon nurtured his appreciation for the grandeur of God's creation. He later moved to Tucson, AZ in 2011, where he discovered his true calling. He began working as a special needs caregiver for young adults, and helped his good friends in the startup of Top Knot Farms, where he discovered a passion for agriculture and resource sustainability. Dan believed in quiet service, generosity, and peace. He had a giving heart, helping his family, his "brothers by deed, "and his community. He had a lifelong passion for geography and history, wishing one day to travel the world. He enjoyed cooking, camping, hunting, and hiking all over Arizona. His smile and "thumbs up" sign were his signatures. Even after his cancer diagnosis in February 2016, Dan remained steadfast in his positive attitude, helping comfort the little kids at Tucson Diamond Children's Center where he received amazing care from Dr. Lisa Kopp and her staff. Dan looked at all of his life as a blessing, the events of which all worked in bringing him closer to God and His plan for him. One of his favorite quotes was " Be the Change that you wish to see in the World."

Daniel is survived by his mother, Debora and step-father, Alan Rice, father Dr. Donald Schilke and step mother Svetlana of Yuma, AZ, brother Thomas of Tucson, AZ and sister Sara (Boone) Rountree of Columbus, GA; stepbrothers John (Ruth) Olin, Dan (Johanna) Olin, step sisters, Mary Olin and Pam (JJ) Hurd.

He is survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and Grandma, Mary Pedersen.

A funeral Mass and celebration of his life is being held November 18th, 2017 at 9 am at Immaculate Conception Church. Family and friends are invited to the home near Winsor Rotary Park from 11-1pm.

At Daniel's request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Limb Preservation Foundation (1721 E. 19th Ave, Suite 106, Denver, CO 80218) or with their website (limbpreservation.org). This organization, specifically the Emergency Relief Fund (a sub-unit of their Patient Assistance Fund) helped Daniel with many expenses while he received chemotherapy, and he would love to see from Heaven that this is being paid forward. A memorial is being set up in his name.

To the many lifelong friends who visited him in the Tucson ICU, a heartfelt thank you.