April 2021 With sadness and prayers- the passing of Congressman Bobby Schilling
We are all shocked and saddened by the passing of Congressman Bobby Schilling.
We remember Bobby as we pray for the repose of his soul and pray for his wonderful family and his wife, Christie Schilling during this difficult time.
As one person said in a post-- "it was a life well lived." Our First Vice Chairman, Sheri Diekman, noted to me when I shared the news, how much Congressman Schilling revitalized our party.
I have included a portion of Congressman Schilling's obituary below:
Schilling was born and raised in the west end of Rock Island, Illinois, the fourth of five children born to Francis and Patricia Schilling. He graduated from Alleman High School where he played football and was named homecoming king. Coming from a poor neighborhood and never attaining a college degree, Bobby never let hurdles of any size stand in his way. He worked at MacMillan Bloedel Container Corporation of America where he served as a union steward in the International Paperworkers Union. He went on to become an insurance agent and financial planner for Prudential Insurance where he ranked 525 out of 10,000 agents and served as the treasurer of his local United Food and Commercial Workers Union. In 1996, he started St. Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza with his family, and 25 years later the family is preparing to open their fourth location in Comanche, IA. In 2009, Schilling decided to make a long shot bid for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 17th District, a famously gerrymandered district which had been held by Democrats for nearly thirty years. But despite the odds, Schilling was successful in his campaign, absolutely destroying incumbent Congressman Phil Hare by more than 10 points. As a Member of Congress, Bobby was willing to work across the aisle to meet the needs of his district. He prioritized the rebuilding of the I-74 bridge and even brought Secretary of Transportation under President Obama, Ray LaHood, to inspect the bridge. He worked with Democratic colleagues to secure key provisions to help the Rock Island Arsenal in the National Defense Authorization Act. He also prioritized veterans by introducing legislation that expanded their health care access by allowing them to get care from any hospital in America — not just from the VA clinics. This legislation eventually became law. More than anything, Schilling loved the pre-born. He knew that every life has the potential to change the world and because of that he supported every piece of pro-life legislation he could.
Bobby loved God and his Catholic faith. Throughout his battle with cancer, he remained grateful to God for the life he was given and made sure his children knew how good God had been to the Schilling family. It was with the grace of God that Bobby managed to overcome many difficulties in his life. Bobby ran “as if to win the race” and he “finished the fight.”
Bobby loved his family and dedicated his life to them. 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. Bobby loved America — a nation where a poor kid from Rock Island could go on to have a successful marriage of 35 years and 10 children, own several restaurants, build two houses, and serve as a Member of Congress — all without a college degree or any privilege outside of being an American. Where else would a life like this be possible if not for America, the greatest country in the world? Schilling is survived by his wife Christie; his ten children Terry (Katie), Aaron (Kiki), Levi (Amanda), Joe (Ashley), Isabel (Austin Ryan), Rachel (Kidd Causemaker), Olivia, Sam, Sophia, Tony, and his 14 grandchildren: Grace, Reagan, Bobby, Max, Peter, Gianna, TJ, Daniel, Evelyn, Julia, Hank, Edward, Gus, Ruth, and siblings; Richard, Michael, Dawn, and William. He is also survived by 3 pre-born grandchildren. Thank you,
Drue
Drue Mielke Rock Island County Republican Party Chairman
We are a group of community volunteers dedicated to the Republican principles of less government, lower taxes, and more personal freedoms. We are your neighbors – part of the fabric of our community. Our members serve as Republican Precinct Committeemen, deputy committeemen, elected officials and/or in volunteer positions. We strive to help educate and empower voters to understand the important issues of the day from the White House to the local Court House.
The Rock Island County Republicans Headquarter hours are Tuesday 10:30-1p. and Wednesday 11-2p. or by appointment. The Headquarters phone is 309-558-0454. Our Rock Island County Republican headquarters is located at 500 -16th Street, Rock Island near the T&T Asian Market.
Welcome to the Rock Island County Republican Party!
Welcome to the Rock Island County Republican Party website! Let me be the first to welcome you to the Rock Island County Republican Party.
Most of us have or used to have elderly loved ones, children and loved ones who we want to see reach their full potential and have full and productive lives. All of us are concerned about the future of America, our state, our county, our town.
We believe that America is a great country. We believe that American values are worth fighting for and defending. We believe that what makes America unique is that from the day they are born American children are taught that they can become anything, that anything is possible in America. If this sounds familiar, you are in the right place.
Under attack lately is what is known as “American exceptionalism”. What makes America exceptional is the lack of social boundaries that restrict where a person can end up. Americans see insurmountable problems and immediately start working on solutions. Americans invented flight, space flight, mass production, and electronic communications. Americans are responsible for most of the great inventions that have changed the face of the planet. It is our “can-do spirit” that makes America Exceptional.
What makes a Republican is their strong believe in America. Republicans come in all colors and beliefs. A Republican is anyone who thinks big government supported by big taxes hurts their ability to achieve their dreams and take care of their priorities. A Republican is someone who thinks that children deserve the right to take risks to achieve success and that people are best off if the rules encourage people to become their best and achieve their highest level of human potential. If you are concerned by other’s efforts at building and continuously expanding government and decreasing individual freedom, then you are a Republican.
Republicans believe that ALL PEOPLE, regardless of every division created to segment and divide, should be encouraged to be everything their human potential will allow them to become and that when people achieve their full potential, we all are better off. It is people, not big government that makes America great! Lets Make America Great again!
