Neil F. Schilling

Neil Schilling of Fargo, ND, formerly of Dawson, MN, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo at the age of 75 after a 5 month battle with lung cancer.  He was born in Dawson, MN to Francis and Viola (Rademacher) Schilling of Madison, MN, on November 20, 1946. 

Neil was baptized and confirmed at the Church of St. Michael in Madison.  Neil grew up in Madison, attended the Catholic Parochial School till 8th grade and graduated from Madison High School in 1965.  He went on to attend vocational school in Canby, MN for one year.  He enlisted in the U. S. Navy on October 12, 1966, serving until September 17, 1970.  He served in Vietnam in the "Brown Water Navy" which consisted of 50-foot long patrol boats that spent their time patrolling the muddy canals and shallow rivers of Vietnam detecting mines set below the surface of the water.  They helped stop North Vietnamese troops, supplies and communications in South Vietnam. 

On July 4, 1980, he married Rosalie Kosmalski in Watertown, South Dakota.  Together they raised 3 children, Shannon, Crystal and Jake, in Dawson. During those years they enjoyed family times at the lake in Alexandria, and family trips to Yellowstone, the Black Hills, Disneyworld, Busch Gardens, Disneyland,  San Diego Zoo, Nassau, Bahamas, etc.  Neil worked for Land O'Lakes feed plant until 9/5/97, at which time he went to work at the Appleton Prison (CCA) as a Prison Guard until 2010, at which time he retired.  

Neil loved his family and being a dad.  He always was present for his children and participated in their activities.  He loved hunting and fishing and spending time at the lake. He was especially fond of his 4 grandchildren when they came along.  Neil and Rose made many trips to Oklahoma to see their two granddaughter's dance and cheer competitions and many trips to Fargo to see their two grandsons.  Since moving to Fargo, he loved attending their sporting events and school concerts.  Neil was a much loved, wonderful husband, dad, and Grandpa/Papa.  He was always kind and calm, loving and caring, and he did love to tease and play pranks.

Neil is survived by his wife, Rose; daughter Crystal, her husband Max Pool, of Fargo and their children Eban and Liam; son Jake and his wife Mikie of Moore, Oklahoma, and their children Ava and Allie, and many cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Francis and Vi Schilling, his brother, Bruce, his in-laws, Bill and Eldora Kosmalski, and his daughter Shannon.  Blessed be his memory. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, Nov 19th, 2022, at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson at 2pm.  

An Expression of Love gathering will be held at the Dawson City Building after the service (approximately at 2:40pm) until 4:30 pm (a light lunch will be served).  Everyone is welcome to come and visit with Neil's family and share stories and memories about Neil whether you attend the service or not. 

In lieu of flowers, etc. the family requests that you consider a donation to Sanford Hospice House in Fargo or to the Lac qui Parle Hope Network, Inc.