Ervin C. "Bud" Schilling, 86

Ervin C. "Bud" Schilling, 86, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Bud was born on March 30, 1918, to Charles and Julia Schilling on the family homestead 12 miles north of Harlem. He attended schools in Harlem, graduating from Harlem High School in 1937.

Bud married Helen Marker on Feb. 15, 1941, in Harlem. They had met in high school. They had six children, five sons and one daughter.

Bud owned his own farm but had to change careers when it was discovered that Helen was allergic to alfalfa dust. He went to work for the post office for 18 years.

In 1983, the Schillings moved to Somers. They enjoyed spending their winters traveling in their motor home to Arizona. He enjoyed fishing, welding and playing pinochle. He was a member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Julia Schilling; one sister, Dora; and a son, Wayne Schilling.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen, of Somers; daughter, Sharon Bruyer of Kalispell; sons, Charles Schilling of Harlem, Jerry Schilling of Somers, Mark Schilling and William Schilling, both of Havre; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. Urn burial will take place at a later date at the Harlem Cemetery in Harlem.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.