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In Memory Of

Joseph C Schillinger, 66, of Colstrip

July 28, 1953 – October 19, 2019

Joseph Clyde Schillinger, age 66, of Colstrip, passed away on October 19, 2019, at his home surrounded by his sister Carol and brother in law Duane Ankney.

Joe grew up in Billings, the youngest son of Monica and Clyde Schillinger. Joe graduated from Billings Central High School in 1971.

Even though Joe was raised in town, he spent many hours farming at Hysham and the Columbus place. It was on these trips to Columbus that he began his love affair with the Homestead; a love affair that lasted over four decades.
Joe was a very accomplished welder working out of the Plumber/Pipefitter Union Local 30. He worked on power plants in Montana and North Dakota working at least two years on Units 3 & 4 in Colstrip and working the turnarounds all over the Northwest.

Gentleman Joe’s social reputation was legendary. From being the official chauffeur for the Playboy Bunnies when they were in town for a function to the social gatherings at 104 Broadwater (enough said).

Joe moved in with Duane and Carol about five years ago. He grew to love Colstrip and the people that live there. We want to give special thanks to the post office employees – you know who you are.

Two passions Joe had was his art and collecting. His art ranged anywhere from pencil sketches to watercolors and stained glass. It was all fantastic. His collection also ran the gambit. From cars to trains, to civil war cannons, to knick-knacks, he loved his stuff.

Joe was proceeded in death by his mother, Monica, father, Clyde, brother Leon and sister in law Robin.

He is survived by his sister Carol (Duane) Ankney of Colstrip, his brother Dean (Laraine) Schillinger, Vida and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you goes out to the Colstrip ambulance crew and the Colstrip Clinic folks for so much dedication and respect you show for those that you serve. To the people of Colstrip, thank you for the kindness that you showed Joe.

If you met Joe, you liked Joe. Joe, we are going to miss you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Montana Rescue Mission in Joe Schillinger’s name. Donations can be sent to Montana Rescue Mission, PO Box 3232 Billings, MT 59103 or online at https://montanarescuemission.org/give-now/.

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Marti Murphy says

    October 20, 2019 at 8:33 am

    I will sure miss Uncle Joe! He was a one of a kind person and a very gifted artist. Heaven gained a really special guy. 😥

  2. Marion and Georgia Moore says

    October 20, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    Carol and Duans, so sorry to read of your loss. May the Lord guide and help you through this sad time.

  3. Buggs and Loni Hartman says

    October 20, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.

  4. pat riedel says

    October 20, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    Carol and family
    sorry for your loss of Joe. i knew him from the store and he always had a smile on his face. he will be missed

  5. Kurt & Jolene Verlanic says

    October 20, 2019 at 8:06 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Carol & Duane. May your memories of Joe be cherished in the coming days.

  6. Brenda and Russ Dotson says

    October 20, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    Carol and family we are so sad for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  7. Patty and Ray Dietz says

    October 21, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    Rest in Peace cousin Joe. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Thanks Carol and Duane for all the
    care and love and friendship you gave Joe these past years.

  8. Steve and Lavonne says

    October 21, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Lavonne Nemmers and Steve Pivacek

    We are sorry to hear of Joe’s passing and your loss. He was accomplished artist and had an ability to view nature and capture it with his drawings. We have two that were gifts we have framed and are always displayed at our house.
    In the early 80’s he visited us in Connecticut and told us his Grizzly Bear stories. The children loved them! And we did too. I remember he wanted to visit New York City. So he did, with his Cowboy hat and the box to carry it! And no hotel reservations, “ I’ll figure it out” he said!
    Montana tough.

  9. Shawn Bettise says

    October 22, 2019 at 7:42 am

    Joe, myself, John Lindell, Mark Beals, and Steve Frickle went to Hawaii together in 1982 and the islands haven’t been the same since. The same mob rented a limo and toured Glacier park with the same result. I will never forget Joe and the fun we had as younger men, before we got all serious and the like….By human nature we go different directions and lose touch with precious friendships – I don’t know why but we just do. Know you Gentleman Joe, that you will always be in my heart and mind until it is my turn to jet out of here – I can still hear your laugh!

  10. Steve Janich says

    October 22, 2019 at 8:58 am

    The daily car pool trips to Colstrip..The stories,laughs and your sense of humor and just being a “good guy” will always bring a smile to me and to all whose lives you touched..Have a peaceful and deserved journey my friend..

  11. Timothy Neiter says

    October 22, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    There are many of us having back in the day memories with Joe and all. More than anything I remember his love of laughter and friendly ways. I regret that we never made that trip to Mexico but it maybe for the best given out propensities at that time. Carol and Duane know that you and yours are in all of our prayers. Do well Joe- catch you later…

  12. Steve Frickle says

    October 23, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    Back in our younger years I lived with, partied with, and worked with Joe. He was by far one of the funniest and entertaining personalities I have ever met. I was an eyewitness to Joe entertaining the town of Gardner on the Fourth of July with his fireworks display in the middle of the street. The bars literally emptied so they could watch Joe Put on a show. To this day it’s one of the funniest things I ever witnessed. That’s just one of the many fond memories I have of Joe. He was one of a kind. Love ya man!

  13. Mike "Huey" Ayre says

    October 24, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    My heart is heavy and my mind is reeling with all the memories of times we shared. Joe was a very special friend. More talent and more alive than most. We shared many adventures, a lot of laughs and many, many miles. He will always hold a special place in my heart and mind. I’ll miss you, friend. Until we meet again. ……. Huey

  14. Steve Depner says

    October 25, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    Carol and Family,

    I’m truly saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. Years ago I remember some very fun times with Joe and friends! I will always remember his boisterous voice and laugh. It was so much fun to be around Joe. He was such a nice guy. I will always picture him with a big smile on his face. He brought much joy to the world. I grieve with you today, but I am very thankful I got to know Joe and spend time with him (years ago)! My heart is with you.

  15. Jolee Morrow says

    October 25, 2019 at 9:47 pm

    Joe you were such a kick to be around.You could light up the world.We had a lot of fun together.I am very saddened that you have left this world . But you can bet that because of you,you made the world a better place.Goodbye my friend.I will see you on the other side.

  16. Monty Patterson says

    October 27, 2019 at 7:45 am

    God blessed Joe with one of the finest personalities a man can have. His beaming face and special laugh guaranteed if Joe was there it was going to be a hell of a good time. His artistic ability was more than amazing! Thank you Brother for making my life and the world better. Love ya. Rest in peace while you keep heaven laughing.

  17. Don Drain says

    October 27, 2019 at 5:55 pm

    Joe will live in my memories for as long as I live!!! May God Bless and I hope to see him in the afterlife!!!!!

  18. Dave Ayre says

    October 29, 2019 at 2:07 am

    Joe was one of a kind. He was always fun and never mean. I have many fond memories of Joe. He will be missed.

  19. Linda Martin Sime says

    November 2, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    I’ll never forget the time Leon (Joe’s older brother.) and I had to babysit Joey while your Mom went shopping! Joe was just a toddler at that time, so that dates me pretty much! Loved being nextdoor neighbor’s to the Schillinger’s all my childhood years! You won’t find a better family! Your brothers, Dean and Leon and I got into more mischief! Sending condolences, Carol, to you, Duane, Dean and family. Forever in my prayers, Linda Martin Sime

  20. Mike Kinsey says

    June 29, 2021 at 7:12 am

    Joe was one of the most uniquely humorous people I’ve known he is sorely missed. I have his illustrated Christmas letters an antique chest and memories of Joe teaching my son Nathan to play pool in the Chrome Bar when he was 10. I think of him every time I drive out Broadwater

  21. Marla Anderson says

    September 6, 2021 at 3:26 am

    I have stopped by to see joe several times throughout the years but he wasn’t home. We were great friends years ago and am sorry that I wasn’t more aggressive in locating him. That is something that I will regret the rest of my life for not pursuing. RIP Joe. Your light will always shine bright!

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