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Ruben S. Schilling Obituary – 1/20/09


Ruben S. Schilling, age 89, of Watertown, died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at the Elim Home in Watertown.

Ruben was born Feb. 22, 1919, in Minnestrista Township, the son of William and Hulda (Lillemo) Schilling. He was baptized March 16, 1919, by the Rev. Paul Beck, and confirmed March 20, 1932, by the Rev. Karl Rudolph, both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Ruben served in the US Army from 1941-1945. He was stationed at the Island of Attu in the Aleutian Islands during WWII.

He was united in marriage to Leorda W. “Lee” Glander Nov. 6, 1948, by the Rev. John Spomer at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Ruben was born and raised on the family farm, which he took over from his father and farmed for many years. He had a deep appreciation for farming.

Ruben served in many different offices at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Watertown; he sang in the church choir for 50 years, and played in the dart ball league.

Ruben enjoyed hunting, fishing, and having a good laugh. He loved playing and singing with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always had time to play cards with a group of friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Gary Vinkemeier; parents William and Hulda Schilling; sisters and brother-in-law, Lucille Schilling and Lenora and George Feltmann; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Meta Glander.

Ruben was a loving husband, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

He is loved and missed by his wife, Leorda “Lee;” daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Doug Ernst of Norwood Young America; son and daughter-in-law Steve and Wendy Schilling of Maple Plain; daughter-in-law Colleen Vinkemeier of Annandale; grandchildren Jeff and Tina Vinkemeier, Amy and Dave Halquist, Heather and Charlie Christopherson, Michael Ernst, Megan Schilling, Zachary Schilling, Tianna Schilling; and great-grandchildren Courtney Vinkemeier, Carley Vinkemeier, Collin Vinkemeier, Caleb Vinkemeier, Canton Vinkemeier, Cadee Vinkemeier, Morgan Halquist, Olivia Halquist, Avery Christopherson, and Payton Christopherson.

Ruben is further survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Arleen and James Hoese; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral service took place Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Watertown with the Rev. Bill Kirmisse officiating. Interment was at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., and continued Friday for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Casket bearers were Tom Feltmann, Eugene Feltmann, Dan Hoese, Doug Hoese, Jack Hoese, and Scott Hoese.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; online condolences are available at www.johnsonfh.com.

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