Donald F. “Mr. Bass” Schilf, 70 of Huntley, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, January 29, 2013.
He was born August 31, 1942 in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Elmer and Margaret (Crawford) Schilf. He grew up in Oak Park and graduated from Fenwick High School. He went on to obtain his Bachelor’s from Northwestern University. He was united in marriage to Judith Ford on June 12, 1965 in Oak Park. The couple made their home in Bloomingdale for many years and he worked in the accounting field. He then owned and operated Chicago Art Production Services for many years until retiring in 2002. Don and Judi moved to Huntley in 2000 and he was active with the Sun City Anglers. He really enjoyed fishing and traveling.
Don is survived by his wife Judi of Huntley, his son, Brian (Erin) Schilf of Avon, Ohio, his two grandchildren, Colin & Casey and his brother, Robert (Candy) Schilf of Carol Stream. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth.
A memorial gathering will be held from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Grafton Food Pantry, 11481 Allison Court, P.O. Box 1074, Huntley, IL 60142.
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The Fenwick Aquatic Community sends their condolences to the Schilf family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Don was a good and decent guy - with a great sense of humor. It was a privilege to have worked with him. I extend my sympathy to all of you on the occasion of his sudden passing. We'll all remember and miss him. I appreciate the kind and thoughtful suggestion of a memorial contribution to the Grafton Food Pantry. I'll think of Don as I seal that envelope.
I love Papa Don because he was the best grandpa ever. I bet he is looking down from Heaven at me right now. I will miss you forever
Brian, Erin and Judi, We cannot express how sorry and sad we are to hear of this. Thinking of you, and here if you need anything.
I loved Papa Don and will always love him in my heart. We always used to catch fish at the dock. It was 3 years ago that I caught and released my first perch, and Papa Don was sitting right next to me. Gammy and Dad I love you. You are welcome to hug me or Casey when you feel sad or alone. ~Colin
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry we are. Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I first meet Don at the Avalanche Pub in Glendale Heights. The Pub just happened to be conveniently located half way from my work and home. Over the years Don, Mr. Bass, became a very close friend. I truly enjoyed my time with him at the bar. You never knew what he was going to say next. He was like a breath of fresh air. I will never forget my first trip with Don to Hayward, WI, to snowmobile and watch the annual Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski race. I promised Judy that I would keep an eye on Don and not let him get into trouble. I want to tell you, that was a very difficult task. No matter where we stopped, someone knew Mr. Bass. He truly will be missed
Judi - we had such good times with you and Don. Both as friends and neighbors, and in Bobs case, co workers for so many years. It was fun watching Brian grow up and mature into such a fine young man. The memories are forever, and you and the family are in our hearts at this time. Our hearts are heavy, but we will remember the good times always love Joan and Bob
Dear Judi, My sincere sympathy on Don's sudden passing, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and especially family members who love him dearly. My thoughts are with you.
Judi and Family ~ We are so sad to hear the news of Don's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don thanks for being you and a great friend. I wish Judy and yours all the best.
I joined Don, along with Jimmy Sliwa and Terry Olsen 20 years ago to go snowmobiling in Hayward Wis. After i found out that while trying to climb a snowhill on a snowmobile Don fell off and went head first into a snowbank. It would have been a picture worth a thousand words. Always a good time, always a great guy and always in our thoughts.
Don was a great guy to work for he would do anything for you It was a pleasure working for him and knowing him my deepest sympathy goes out to his family
Naomi Davidson - That looks familiar We aebtluosly LOVE the book. Such high quality and will definitely keep the memories flowing for many many years. Thanks again for all the awesome work!August 30, 2010 9:10 am