Edna L. Schilling

Edna L. Schilling, 97 of La Crosse died on Friday January 9, 2015 at the Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center. She was born in La Crosse to Adolph “Eddie” and Louise (Dummer) Schilling. She attended La Crosse Central High School and Milwaukee Downer High School. Edna graduated from Wellsley College in Wellsley, MA with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in German Studies and Botany.
Edna was greatly influenced by her grandparents, Isidor and Barbara Schilling, who founded La Crosse Soap Co. and Schilling Paper Co. She loved to travel and toured the U.S. and Europe extensively. Edna took great pride in her home and gardening skills in the family home on 17th street that she grew up in for over 70 years. She won eight La Crosse City golf championships in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. She was also accomplished in bowling, tennis and bridge. Edna was a prodigious reader, having read hundreds of books in English, German and Latin. She developed an extensive knowledge of American politics and corresponded with William Buckley among others. She also acquired expertise in antique postcards and seashells, on which she gave lectures at UW-L. In the 1950’ and 60’s she volunteered as a Girl Scout leader. Edna always paddled her own canoe.
Edna is survived by her cousins; Tom (Mary) Schilling, Paul (Joan) Schilling, Carol Schilling (Carolyn Beard), Allan (Dee) Schilling, Jr. and John (Beverly) Schilling all of La Crosse. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held from 4-6 PM Wednesday, February 18th at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse. A private family burial will be held in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Badgerland Council of the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin or the Hospice Program at Gundersen Health System.