Eileen June Schilawski's Obituary
Eileen June Schilawski, 92, of Decatur, died Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at McKinley Court Care Centre. Memorial mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 in St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visitation will be prior to the mass at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to St. James and Patrick Parish or Catholic Charities.
Eileen was born June 7, 1922 in Manitowoc, Wisc., the daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Miley) Wagner. Like her mother, Eileen had a love of poetry, especially Edgar Guest. In high school, she lettered in forensics and was voted class speaker at her graduation. During World War II, Eileen managed a movie theatre. She married war veteran Robert Lyle Schilawski on February 14, 1946, and he preceded her in death after 62 years of marriage. Eileen was most proud of being a loving and supportive wife, and dedicated mother to her 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed keeping a warm and welcoming home, and cooking for her family and guests. She was an entrepreneur, and owned and ran the popcorn shop in Fairview Plaza, and had a career in retail sales, including more than 10 years in the shoe department at Carson Prairie Scott.
Eileen was kind and giving, and loved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in all who were privileged to know such a wonderful woman.
Surviving are her sister, Charlotte (Dolly) Rank; her children, Sue Smith (Rich), Bobbi Leonard, Jim Schilawski (Debby), Jay Schilawski (Diana), Steve Schilawski, Mark Schilawski (Sara), and John Schilawski (Sharon); and grandchildren Jocelyn George (Rob), Meredith Mulligan (Andrew), Jamie Rosen (Jeff), Joel Schilawski (Kim),Tina Pierce (Matt), Sean Schilawski (Linda), Kyle Schilawski, Reid Schilawski, Justin Schilawski (Andreina), Anna Schilawski, Max Schilawski, and Sydney Eileen Schilawski.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, Betty Darilies, Clement Wagner, Ethel Beers, and JoAnn Scheurell.
The family of Eileen June Schilawski is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Eileen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eileen?
Share a story where Eileen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eileen you’ll never forget.
How did Eileen make you smile?