Lester Edward Schilling

Lester Edward Schilling, 94, of Burlington Iowa, died on Friday, April 24, 2026 surrounded by his six children.

Born November 30, 1931 in La Motte Iowa, he was the son of Andrew and Christina (Berthel) Schilling. On September 10, 1955, he married Lavonne (Bonnie) Beck in Dubuque IA. She preceded him in death on September 3, 2019 after almost 64 years of marriage. Together, Les and Bonnie began their family and moved to Clinton IA, Schenectady NY, Pittsburgh PA, Somerdale NJ and in 1977 settled in Burlington IA.

Les was a 1950 graduate of Loras Academy and a 1959 graduate of Loras College in Dubuque. He was a US Army Veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. After college, Les worked for A.Y. McDonald Co. and then General Electric, retiring from GE after 33 years.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, serving as a lector and on the Parish Council for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), St. Vincent de Paul Society, Hope Haven Board and served as a Black Knight Pallbearer.

Les enjoyed golf, a good game of Euchre, and winters spent in Destin Florida with Bonnie. He was defined by his deep Catholic faith. His life was a testament to his beliefs, guided by kindness, patience, service, and integrity. Above all, Les cherished Bonnie, and his family.

Surviving are his six children: Steve (Mary) Schilling of Fearington Village NC, Mike (Cathy) Schilling of Ocean City NJ, Mary (Gary) Imming of Overland Park KS, Joe (Sue) Schilling of Burlington, Paul (Colleen) Schilling of Coralville IA, and Betsy (Ken) McCleary of Ankeny IA; 18 grandchildren: Christopher (Cynthia Wong) Schilling, Lauren Schilling, Kate (Chris Kelm) Schilling Kelm, Andrew (Dani Baurer) Schilling, Allie (Chris) Connell, Brent (Erin) Sear, Emily (Nick Stawinski) Schilling, Liz (Nick) Anderson, Leslie Donnelly, Julie (Justin) Albert, Erin (Kullen) Koelker, Nicole Schilling, Matthew McCleary, Michael Schilling, Carolyn McCleary, Ellie Schilling, Joel McCleary and Anna McCleary; 12 great-grandchildren: Joey, Hugo, Sophia, Theo, Ezra, Spencer, Harry, Beck, Lila, Ruth, Benji, Cal and one on the way; one brother: Russell (Joan) Schilling of Dubuque IA, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie, brother Larry Schilling, and sisters Bertha Hallahan, Eileen Schaefer, Mary Kueter, Bernice Ehlers and Dorothy Meyer.

The family would especially like to thank Josie Lietsch and Mira Culler for their kind and loving care.

Family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM Friday, May 1, 2026 at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. A Rosary will be held at 10:30 AM.

The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Les will be 11:00 AM Friday, May 1, 2026, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  A time of food and fellowship will be held at The Drake following the burial. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Divine Mercy Parish.