John William Schilling

John W. Schilling, 76, Onalaska, (formally Marathon), passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 29, 2025.

John was born on June 9, 1949, in Eau Claire, WI. Son of the late, Tony and Alvina (Linder) Schilling.

He graduated from Mosinee High School class of 1967. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces as a Mechanical Engineer and was Honorably Discharged in 1975. He worked at Marathon Cheese Corporation for 25 years until he moved to Lacosse, where he worked and retired from Kwik Trip Corporation in the bakery. He held multiple part-time jobs at Amazon, Fox Hollow Golf Course, and Torrance Casting. He was a workaholic and loved his jobs and coworkers and could talk their ears off. He was a recovering alcoholic of almost 30 years and sponsor to multiple veterans. He was an active VA member and would regularly visit the VA in Tomah, WI and would take friends along. He loved vacations with his kids where they visited multiple states (18 total). He loved decorating during the holidays particularly Christmas which was his favorite. He enjoyed Mountain Dew, chocolate milk and ice cream. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badger fan. He would cheer loud and proud. John enjoyed spending time with Family and Friends telling stories when he wasn't working, of course. His final wish for everyone was to “Live life to the fullest one day at a time”

He is survived by his children; Anthony Schilling, Kronenwetter, Joseph (Julie) Schilling, Edgar, and Melissa (Andrew) Burnett, Schofield; grandchildren, Melanie (Cole) Burnett, Trevor (Alanna) Burnett, Corey (Anna) Schilling, Carter Burnett, and Konnor Schilling; sister, Mary Lynn Sauter; nephew, Randy Schilling; niece, Laurie (Jason) Marcott; great-niece, Samantha (Kyle) Dietrich and great-nephews, and one of his best friends, Marjean Bomski. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, David Schilling.

A Graveside Prayer Service will take place at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Cemetery in Halder, WI. Father Don Bosco Amburose will officiate. Military honors will take place following prayers. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m., until 11:00 a.m., at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.