April 23, 1934 - November 12, 2014
Ernest Erich SCHILLINGER was born April 23, 1934, in Odessa, Washington, the youngest of three brothers to George and Minnie Schillinger. He graduated from Central Valley High School in June 1952 and soon after was drafted into the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. After getting out of the Army, he went to college at Eastern Washington University and graduated with a major in German and a teaching degree. He began his 30 year teaching career in the West Valley School District working at Dishman Elementary, Millwood Elementary, Park Junior High and Argonne Junior High. While at Park and Argonne, Ernie coached girlâ??s and boyâ??s basketball plus taught math, science, PE and drivers ed to multiple generations of Spokane Valley Youth. He was known as Mr. Schill by those he taught. He believed through coaching he could influence the youth of tomorrow to be better prepared for life by instilling discipline and team work. Although he retired in 1989, he continued to work at the Nevada Mining Association in Reno, NV for another 8 years. At that point, he spent his summers in Spokane and wintered at Road Haven in Apache Junction until his death. Through the years, he made many great friends and enjoyed endless hours pursuing his passions of woodworking, cribbage, golf and tennis. He married Colleen Shea on April 25, 1992.
