Diane Schilling

Bismarck – Diane Jane Schilling, 83, of Bismarck, made her heavenly journey on Saturday, August 12, 2023.  

A visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, on Thursday, August 24, from 5:00–7:00 PM, immediately followed by a prayer service and time for sharing. 

We will celebrate her life Friday, August 25, at 11:00 AM, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N 6th St, Bismarck. It will also be available to live stream at https://www.mccabechurch.com/.

Diane was born to Albert and Edna (Lehr) Goebel in Lehr, ND, on August 2, 1940. She met Harvey Schilling at the Tri-County Fair in Wishek where they were showing their 4H and FFA projects. Together, with their children Dawn, Cary, and Annette, they moved wherever opportunity led them --Lehr, Linton, and Stanton. Eventually, Bismarck became their family's home in 1971. They celebrated 63 years of their enduring promise on July 2nd, 2023.

While Harvey advanced his career with Bismarck Public Schools, Diane managed their businesses: The Cheddar Box, Orange Juliuses, a catering company, Denny’s Storage Company, CHADD, Inc. (a commodities warehouse named for Cary, Harvey, Annette, Dawn, and Diane), and the H&D Schilling Building. Despite lacking formal training (and even struggling to find middle C on the keyboard), she mastered the art of ragtime piano. Her innate talent and dedication culminated in a genuinely exceptional musical style. Over the years, this dynamic duo entertained thousands with their captivating performances.

A typical day for Diane involved sweeping a storage unit, driving a forklift, creating an impromptu dinner party for ten, entertaining guests at the piano, ironing her family's clothes, and preparing last-minute school treats for one of her kids. Remarkably, she would do all this dressed impeccably and wearing her signature brilliant smile. She excelled at caring for people, whether they were family, friends, or strangers.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, sister LaVon Schafer, and many dear family and friends. 

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Harvey, daughter Dawn (Lynn) Bolstad, son Cary, daughter Annette (Bill) Willis, and grandsons Sam Schilling and Jack Willis.

Memorials may be sent to El Zagal Hospital Transportation Fund at 1429 3^rd St N Fargo, ND 58102 or the McCabe United Methodist Church’s music program at 1030 N 6^th St., Bismarck ND 58501.