John Schill

MADISON-John Robert "Jack" Schill, died at home on Tuesday evening, January 13, 2009 at the age of 71, with his wife, daughter and close friends at his bedside after a courageous battle against lung cancer. John was born February 6, 1937, in Granite City, Illinois, the only child of Anna (Miller) and E. O. Schill. Early in his childhood, he and his mother moved to St. Louis, MO. where only a few blocks separated John from the Mississippi River. It was there that he developed a great love of the river and tow boats which continued throughout his life. John was educated and graduated from Chaminade College in St. Louis. He then joined the US Air Force, where he worked as a flight mechanic. He was always proud that he worked on JFKs Air Force 1 and received a hand shake and thank you from JFK himself. After five years with the Air Force, John joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he spent four years as a Marine Engineer on Mississippi River Ice breaker/Buoy Tenders. John moved to Madison in 1962 where he met and married Laura Nelson (Camp Douglas, WI). John was employed as a financial and investment advisor before working as a power plant technician at St. Marys Hospital. He retired from the V.A. Hospital as the Plant Operator Supervisor in 1998. John was passionate about many things, including his love of music and literature. John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Laura Schill; a daughter, Becca (Julie); a sister, Jennifer (Bob) Koss of Florida; two cousins, Becky (Tom) Berkley of Missouri and Janice Cardner-Chownard (Don) of Massachusettes. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Judy Challis and a nephew, Steve Challis. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy. Madison WI on Sunday, January 18th 1-3pm. Jack would like you to dress casually and bring a story to tell. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.