This message is from Jerri Martinez - Mike's sister -  My brother passed away in January 2019. I promised him I would let his classmates know after he passed. Mike lost his battle to ALS after fighting it for five years. Mike was the strongest person, not only on the outside but inside as well. He fought this awful disease with grace and dignity.  Never wanting help with anything.  He talked about several of you, and talked about how he knew he would miss the next reunion.  I posted this picture here and on his profile because I think it best represents him, strong, full of life, happy at his home in Sturgis in the beautiful black hills. 

Mike passed away on January 23, 2019 at his home after a long battle with ALS. Mike fought this horrible disease for 5 years, and to the end he remained positive, so stubborn, ornery, and kept his sense of humor. He cared only of everyone around him and was so very unselfish. We will all miss his kindness and his sarcastic comments. Mike graduated from Skyline High School in 1980. He then worked at King Soopers for several years gaining many lifelong friends. In 1998 he started a successful landscaping business serving the Longmont, Frederick and Firestone area. He moved to Sturgis, SD 15 years ago and continued his landscaping business. In both states his clients loved him and he was well known for his reliability, perfection, and honesty. In South Dakota he fulfilled his dream of building a beautiful cabin in the mountains. He was very proud of his home and friends/family were always welcome. He especially loved the wildlife he could experience from any of his windows. He loved his time in South Dakota and met many people that became cherished friends. Throughout the years Mike enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed lifting weights and took great pride in his strength. He especially treasured his time spent with his nieces and nephews. His face would light up when the kids were around. He also loved to tease them. He will be missed by all that knew him. Mike is survived by is parents Don and Janice Schilling, a brother Dennis (Susan), a sister Jerri (Jeff) Martinez and sister-in-law Cindy Schilling along with many nieces and nephews and two great nieces. His brother Dave and step nephew Jared preceded him in death.