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Robert H. Schilling, born on March 27, 1934, in Alpena, passed away on July 22, 2026, in Alpena, leaving behind a life marked by hard work, quiet generosity, and a deep devotion to the people and causes he loved. He was the son of the late Howard and Viola (McTagert) Schilling. He is survived by his children, Travis (Andrea) Schilling, Joseph Schilling, Jennifer Miller (Dale Cox), and a stepson, Sean (Lisa) Hawley. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Miles Schilling, Alysha (Steven) Lukowski, and Bryon (Melissa) Miller, along with several great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Brown. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Parker Davis Schilling. Robert lived a life shaped by determination and resilience. He earned his engineering degree through self-study, never attending school for it, and he was always proud of that accomplishment. His mind was practical, disciplined, and inventive, and he carried that same spirit into every chapter of his life. He served in the military, a period that reflected his sense of duty and commitment to something larger than himself. For the first half of his life, Robert sailed the Great Lakes, and for the second half, he sailed the seven seas. The water was a defining part of his story, and his years at sea gave him a lifetime of experience, perspective, and stories that those around him will long remember. He knew the value of endurance, patience, and self-reliance, and he brought those qualities home with him in the way he lived and cared for others. Robert was an avid animal lover and gave faithfully to the Humane Society every year. His compassion for animals was one of the many ways his kindness showed itself. He also loved westerns, especially the works of Louis L'Amour, and he proudly said he had read every one of his books. He enjoyed collecting guns, fishing, and canoeing, and he found joy in the simple pleasures that suited his independent nature. Those who knew Robert will remember his sharp wit and his habit of cracking inappropriate jokes at the most unexpected times. He had a grizzled exterior, but beneath it was a genuine soft heart. He loved to complain while giving you the shirt off his back, and that contradiction was part of what made him so memorable. He was the kind of man whose rough edges only made his kindness stand out more clearly. Robert will be remembered as a kind man who lived with honesty, humor, and strength. He was proud of what he accomplished, loyal to those he loved, and generous in ways that often spoke louder than words.
A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on August 7, 2026 at 11am. Arrangements are in the care of McWilliams Funeral Home.