Rock Island Today

State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Rock Island) commented on the recent passing of former Illinois Congressman Robert "Bobby" Schilling, noting that Schilling "never let hurdles of any size stand in his way."

Schilling, who passed away on April 6 at the age of 57, first served as the representative for Illinois' 17th congressional district from 2011 to 2013. Schilling ran for office again in 2020 but lost. 

"Bobby loved God and his Catholic faith," Anderson said in an April 15 memorial. He commended the former congressman's support of infrastructure and pro-life legislation during his time in office, and lauded Schilling for his bipartisan efforts to grow the Rock Island area. "Through his battle with cancer, he remained grateful to God for the life he was given."

Schilling was raised in Rock Island in a poor household. He did not attend college, but worked as a union steward, insurance agent and financial planner before pursuing office. Schilling cofounded St. Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza in 1996.

"Bobby loved America, a nation where a poor kid from Rock Island could go on to have a successful 35-year marriage and 10 children, owning several restaurants and two homes, and serving as a member of Congress without a college degree," Anderson said, "or privilege outside of just being American."

According to Schilling's obituary, memorials in his memory can be donated to the Women's Choice Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, or the Pregnancy Center in Clinton, Iowa. 

"Bobby loved his family and dedicated his life to them," Anderson continued. "He wasn’t concerned about a successful career as much as he was about providing for his large and growing family. He showed love for his family through his work and sacrifice. He built not one, but two homes from the ground up for his family. He enjoyed taking on challenges and proving his doubters wrong."