Our Staff
Schilling Funeral Home Staff
All of our licensed directors adhere to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are attended to. Their commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make them outstanding in their field. We are proud to have them on our staff.
John is a second-generation funeral director and a lifelong resident of Whiteside County. He is a 1965 graduate of Erie Community High School. He attended Blackhawk College in Moline and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. He served in the Ilinois National Guard in Rock Falls from 1968 to 1974.
John is the owner of Schilling Funeral Home since purchasing the Melvin Funeral Home in 1975. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and Order of the Golden Rule, has served on the Board of Directors of Sterling Federal Bank for many years, currently as Chairman of the Sterling American Legion Post 296, as well as several local service organizations.
John and his wife Sara are the parents of two sons John Paul and Mark and four grandchildren Donovan, Gabbi, John Paul Jr., and Lliam Schilling.
John is a second-generation funeral director and a lifelong resident of Whiteside County. He is a 1965 graduate of Erie Community High School. He attended Blackhawk College in Moline and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. He served in the Ilinois National Guard in Rock Falls from 1968 to 1974.
John is the owner of Schilling Funeral Home since purchasing the Melvin Funeral Home in 1975. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and Order of the Golden Rule, has served on the Board of Directors of Sterling Federal Bank for many years, currently as Chairman of the Sterling American Legion Post 296, as well as several local service organizations.
John and his wife Sara are the parents of two sons John Paul and Mark and four grandchildren Donovan, Gabbi, John Paul Jr., and Lliam Schilling.
John Paul is the only third-generation funeral director from Whiteside County. He is a 1993 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science.
John Paul served his apprenticeship in 1999 for one year under Richard W. Schilling (owner of Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, and Lee County Coroner.)
John Paul is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Order of the Golden Rule, an accepted member of the American College of Forensic Examiner, and successfully completed the Medicolegal Death Investigators training course at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of Sterling, and American Legion Post 296. John Paul is married to Ashley (Stanley) Schilling, and they have two children Gabriella Rose Schilling and a son John Paul Schilling Jr.
John Paul is the only third-generation funeral director from Whiteside County. He is a 1993 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science.
John Paul served his apprenticeship in 1999 for one year under Richard W. Schilling (owner of Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, and Lee County Coroner.)
John Paul is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Order of the Golden Rule, an accepted member of the American College of Forensic Examiner, and successfully completed the Medicolegal Death Investigators training course at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of Sterling, and American Legion Post 296. John Paul is married to Ashley (Stanley) Schilling, and they have two children Gabriella Rose Schilling and a son John Paul Schilling Jr.
Sara is the wife of John Schilling, they have been married since 1970. Sara has been active in the funeral home as a Pre-Need Counselor and holds an Insurance License. Over the years, she has been active in the community in several organizations including The order of Eastern Star-Sterling Chapter #354; past-President of the Sterling/Rock Falls/ Whiteside County Republican Women's Club; past-Vice President of the Sterling High School Athletic Booster Club; American Cancer Society; CGH Medical Center-Auxiliary; and a member of the First Congregational Church in Sterling.
Sara enjoys playing the Yamaha Clavinova and providing families with special recordings for funeral services.
Sara is the wife of John Schilling, they have been married since 1970. Sara has been active in the funeral home as a Pre-Need Counselor and holds an Insurance License. Over the years, she has been active in the community in several organizations including The order of Eastern Star-Sterling Chapter #354; past-President of the Sterling/Rock Falls/ Whiteside County Republican Women's Club; past-Vice President of the Sterling High School Athletic Booster Club; American Cancer Society; CGH Medical Center-Auxiliary; and a member of the First Congregational Church in Sterling.
Sara enjoys playing the Yamaha Clavinova and providing families with special recordings for funeral services.
Mary is a 1992 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She has been employed here at the funeral home since 1991. Mary is the daughter of John & Lupe Hurley of Sterling. Mary and her husband Jeff, have two daughters Molly and Rachel. Mary and her family are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Walton, IL.
Mary is a 1992 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She has been employed here at the funeral home since 1991. Mary is the daughter of John & Lupe Hurley of Sterling. Mary and her husband Jeff, have two daughters Molly and Rachel. Mary and her family are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Walton, IL.
John Hurley graduated from Newman High School in 1967 and Sauk Valley Community College in 1988. He married his wife, Lupe, on July 28, 1973, and they have four daughters: Mary, Bernie, Maggie, and Maria. John worked at the Mill for 29 years, for the School District for 10 years, and was Head Custodian at Challand Middle School. He retired in 2011 and is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
John Hurley graduated from Newman High School in 1967 and Sauk Valley Community College in 1988. He married his wife, Lupe, on July 28, 1973, and they have four daughters: Mary, Bernie, Maggie, and Maria. John worked at the Mill for 29 years, for the School District for 10 years, and was Head Custodian at Challand Middle School. He retired in 2011 and is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Russ is married to his wife Carol and attends Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Russ was the CEO of United Way for over 2 decades.
Russ is married to his wife Carol and attends Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Russ was the CEO of United Way for over 2 decades.
Bob grew up in Sterling, and his parents were Pete and Bernice Conklin. Bob graduated from Sterling High School and studied at the University of Houston. Bob has been married to his lovely wife Cindy for over 30 years. Bob has recently served as the City of Sterling's 3rd Ward Alderman and is currently on the Sterling War Memorial Commission. In 2006 Bob started the Illinois Whiteside County Chapter 811 Pheasants Forever, serving as President for 2 years and currently a member. Bob has been very involved in the Sterling American Legion post 296. Bob and Cindy are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling.
Bob grew up in Sterling, and his parents were Pete and Bernice Conklin. Bob graduated from Sterling High School and studied at the University of Houston. Bob has been married to his lovely wife Cindy for over 30 years. Bob has recently served as the City of Sterling's 3rd Ward Alderman and is currently on the Sterling War Memorial Commission. In 2006 Bob started the Illinois Whiteside County Chapter 811 Pheasants Forever, serving as President for 2 years and currently a member. Bob has been very involved in the Sterling American Legion post 296. Bob and Cindy are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling.
Ken is married to his wife Deborah Bailey. Ken is a retired employee of 35 years at USDA, as a meat inspector. He enjoys traveling to Florida and Arizona. Ken has two adult children and four grandchildren.
Ken is married to his wife Deborah Bailey. Ken is a retired employee of 35 years at USDA, as a meat inspector. He enjoys traveling to Florida and Arizona. Ken has two adult children and four grandchildren.
Rod is a 1967 Graduate of Quincy High School and graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1971 with a Bachelor in Physical Education. He taught for 34 years at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico School District and retired in 2004. He is married to his lovely wife Nancy who retired from teaching art in the Sterling School District in 2004. They are members of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Whiteside County Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Education Association, and also the Rock River Country Club in Rock Falls.
Rod is a 1967 Graduate of Quincy High School and graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1971 with a Bachelor in Physical Education. He taught for 34 years at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico School District and retired in 2004. He is married to his lovely wife Nancy who retired from teaching art in the Sterling School District in 2004. They are members of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Whiteside County Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Education Association, and also the Rock River Country Club in Rock Falls.
Kelly is originally from Marengo IL, and has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Kelly's full-time job outside of the funeral home is as a behavioral health counselor and works with substance abuse and mental health.
Kelly is originally from Marengo IL, and has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Kelly's full-time job outside of the funeral home is as a behavioral health counselor and works with substance abuse and mental health.
Rhonda graduated with an associate's degree in executive secretarial work. She has lived in Sterling since 1970 and has two adult children. She attends the Shalom Assembly of Yahweh.
Rhonda graduated with an associate's degree in executive secretarial work. She has lived in Sterling since 1970 and has two adult children. She attends the Shalom Assembly of Yahweh.
Jane graduated from Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields IL, and attended Illinois State. Jane and her husband Ken attend New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. She was a Special ED teacher for 14 years, worked at Sauk Valley Bank for 6 years, and Bergners Jewelry Department for 18 years. Jane has been involved in charity fundraising for St. Jude's events for 40 years.
Jane graduated from Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields IL, and attended Illinois State. Jane and her husband Ken attend New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. She was a Special ED teacher for 14 years, worked at Sauk Valley Bank for 6 years, and Bergners Jewelry Department for 18 years. Jane has been involved in charity fundraising for St. Jude's events for 40 years.
Louise has a Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University and has been a real estate broker for Remax of Sauk Valley for several years.
Louise has a Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University and has been a real estate broker for Remax of Sauk Valley for several years.
Schilling Funeral Home Staff
All of our licensed directors adhere to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are attended to. Their commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make them outstanding in their field. We are proud to have them on our staff.
John is a second-generation funeral director and a lifelong resident of Whiteside County. He is a 1965 graduate of Erie Community High School. He attended Blackhawk College in Moline and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. He served in the Ilinois National Guard in Rock Falls from 1968 to 1974.
John is the owner of Schilling Funeral Home since purchasing the Melvin Funeral Home in 1975. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and Order of the Golden Rule, has served on the Board of Directors of Sterling Federal Bank for many years, currently as Chairman of the Sterling American Legion Post 296, as well as several local service organizations.
John and his wife Sara are the parents of two sons John Paul and Mark and four grandchildren Donovan, Gabbi, John Paul Jr., and Lliam Schilling.
John is a second-generation funeral director and a lifelong resident of Whiteside County. He is a 1965 graduate of Erie Community High School. He attended Blackhawk College in Moline and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. He served in the Ilinois National Guard in Rock Falls from 1968 to 1974.
John is the owner of Schilling Funeral Home since purchasing the Melvin Funeral Home in 1975. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and Order of the Golden Rule, has served on the Board of Directors of Sterling Federal Bank for many years, currently as Chairman of the Sterling American Legion Post 296, as well as several local service organizations.
John and his wife Sara are the parents of two sons John Paul and Mark and four grandchildren Donovan, Gabbi, John Paul Jr., and Lliam Schilling.
John Paul is the only third-generation funeral director from Whiteside County. He is a 1993 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science.
John Paul served his apprenticeship in 1999 for one year under Richard W. Schilling (owner of Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, and Lee County Coroner.)
John Paul is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Order of the Golden Rule, an accepted member of the American College of Forensic Examiner, and successfully completed the Medicolegal Death Investigators training course at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of Sterling, and American Legion Post 296. John Paul is married to Ashley (Stanley) Schilling, and they have two children Gabriella Rose Schilling and a son John Paul Schilling Jr.
John Paul is the only third-generation funeral director from Whiteside County. He is a 1993 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science.
John Paul served his apprenticeship in 1999 for one year under Richard W. Schilling (owner of Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, and Lee County Coroner.)
John Paul is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Order of the Golden Rule, an accepted member of the American College of Forensic Examiner, and successfully completed the Medicolegal Death Investigators training course at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of Sterling, and American Legion Post 296. John Paul is married to Ashley (Stanley) Schilling, and they have two children Gabriella Rose Schilling and a son John Paul Schilling Jr.
Sara is the wife of John Schilling, they have been married since 1970. Sara has been active in the funeral home as a Pre-Need Counselor and holds an Insurance License. Over the years, she has been active in the community in several organizations including The order of Eastern Star-Sterling Chapter #354; past-President of the Sterling/Rock Falls/ Whiteside County Republican Women's Club; past-Vice President of the Sterling High School Athletic Booster Club; American Cancer Society; CGH Medical Center-Auxiliary; and a member of the First Congregational Church in Sterling.
Sara enjoys playing the Yamaha Clavinova and providing families with special recordings for funeral services.
Sara is the wife of John Schilling, they have been married since 1970. Sara has been active in the funeral home as a Pre-Need Counselor and holds an Insurance License. Over the years, she has been active in the community in several organizations including The order of Eastern Star-Sterling Chapter #354; past-President of the Sterling/Rock Falls/ Whiteside County Republican Women's Club; past-Vice President of the Sterling High School Athletic Booster Club; American Cancer Society; CGH Medical Center-Auxiliary; and a member of the First Congregational Church in Sterling.
Sara enjoys playing the Yamaha Clavinova and providing families with special recordings for funeral services.
Mary is a 1992 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She has been employed here at the funeral home since 1991. Mary is the daughter of John & Lupe Hurley of Sterling. Mary and her husband Jeff, have two daughters Molly and Rachel. Mary and her family are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Walton, IL.
Mary is a 1992 graduate of Sterling High School and a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She has been employed here at the funeral home since 1991. Mary is the daughter of John & Lupe Hurley of Sterling. Mary and her husband Jeff, have two daughters Molly and Rachel. Mary and her family are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Walton, IL.
John Hurley graduated from Newman High School in 1967 and Sauk Valley Community College in 1988. He married his wife, Lupe, on July 28, 1973, and they have four daughters: Mary, Bernie, Maggie, and Maria. John worked at the Mill for 29 years, for the School District for 10 years, and was Head Custodian at Challand Middle School. He retired in 2011 and is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
John Hurley graduated from Newman High School in 1967 and Sauk Valley Community College in 1988. He married his wife, Lupe, on July 28, 1973, and they have four daughters: Mary, Bernie, Maggie, and Maria. John worked at the Mill for 29 years, for the School District for 10 years, and was Head Custodian at Challand Middle School. He retired in 2011 and is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Russ is married to his wife Carol and attends Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Russ was the CEO of United Way for over 2 decades.
Russ is married to his wife Carol and attends Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Russ was the CEO of United Way for over 2 decades.
Bob has grown up in Sterling, and his parents were Pete and Bernice Conklin. Bob graduated from Sterling High School and studied at the University of Houston. Bob has been married to his lovely wife Cindy for over 30 years. Bob has recently served as the City of Sterling's 3rd Ward Alderman and is currently on the Sterling War Memorial Commission. In 2006 Bob started the Illinois Whiteside County Chapter 811 Pheasants Forever, serving as President for 2 years and currently a member. Bob has been very involved in the Sterling American Legion post 296. Bob and Cindy are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling.
Bob has grown up in Sterling, and his parents were Pete and Bernice Conklin. Bob graduated from Sterling High School and studied at the University of Houston. Bob has been married to his lovely wife Cindy for over 30 years. Bob has recently served as the City of Sterling's 3rd Ward Alderman and is currently on the Sterling War Memorial Commission. In 2006 Bob started the Illinois Whiteside County Chapter 811 Pheasants Forever, serving as President for 2 years and currently a member. Bob has been very involved in the Sterling American Legion post 296. Bob and Cindy are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling.
Ken is married to his wife Deborah Bailey. Ken is a retired employee of 35 years at USDA, as a meat inspector. He enjoys traveling to Florida and Arizona. Ken has two adult children and four grandchildren.
Ken is married to his wife Deborah Bailey. Ken is a retired employee of 35 years at USDA, as a meat inspector. He enjoys traveling to Florida and Arizona. Ken has two adult children and four grandchildren.
Rod is a 1967 Graduate of Quincy High School and graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1971 with a Bachelors in Physical Education. He taught for 34 years at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico School District and retired in 2004. He is married to his lovely wife Nancy who retired from teaching art in the Sterling School District in 2004. They are members of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Whiteside County Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Education Association, and also the Rock River Country Club in Rock Falls.
Rod is a 1967 Graduate of Quincy High School and graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1971 with a Bachelors in Physical Education. He taught for 34 years at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico School District and retired in 2004. He is married to his lovely wife Nancy who retired from teaching art in the Sterling School District in 2004. They are members of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Whiteside County Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Education Association, and also the Rock River Country Club in Rock Falls.
Kelly is originally from Marengo IL, and has a bachelors degree in Psychology. Kelly's full-time job outside of the funeral home is as a behavioral health counselor and works with substance abuse and mental health.
Kelly is originally from Marengo IL, and has a bachelors degree in Psychology. Kelly's full-time job outside of the funeral home is as a behavioral health counselor and works with substance abuse and mental health.
Rhonda graduated with an Associates degree in executive secretarial work. She has lived in Sterling since 1970 and has two adult children. She attends the Shalom Assembly of Yahweh.
Rhonda graduated with an Associates degree in executive secretarial work. She has lived in Sterling since 1970 and has two adult children. She attends the Shalom Assembly of Yahweh.
Jane graduated from Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields IL, and attended Illinois State. Jane and her husband Ken attend New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. She was a Special ED teacher for 14 years, worked at Sauk Valley Bank for 6 years, and Bergners Jewelry Department for 18 years. Jane has been involved in charity fundraising for St. Jude's events for 40 years.
Jane graduated from Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields IL, and attended Illinois State. Jane and her husband Ken attend New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. She was a Special ED teacher for 14 years, worked at Sauk Valley Bank for 6 years, and Bergners Jewelry Department for 18 years. Jane has been involved in charity fundraising for St. Jude's events for 40 years.
Louise has a Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University and has been a real estate broker for Remax of Sauk Valley for several years.
Louise has a Masters Degree from Northern Illinois University and has been a real estate broker for Remax of Sauk Valley for several years.
