Avy E. Schilling

Avy Elizabeth Schilling passed away on August 21, 2018. Avy was born on April 20, 1920, to Margaret A. (Davis) Foster and David O. Foster. She was a lifelong resident of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Avy was preceded in death by her husband John ("Jack") Schilling, her mother, her father, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her 3 children: Robert David Schilling (Sylvia) of Eau Claire, WI; Pamela Ann (Schilling) Kaufman of Fitchburg, WI; and James Foster Schilling (Ellen) of Phoenix, Arizona; her 3 grandchildren: John Fitzgerald Kaufman (Kristina) of San Francisco, California; Elizabeth Ann Schilling of Washington, D.C.; and Erin Lee (Kaufman) Gernetzke (Michael) of Fitchburg, WI; and her 4 great-grandchildren: Regan Avy Gernetzke (7); Natalie Marie Kaufman (5); Lincoln Edward Gernetzke (3); and Tyler William Kaufman (3).Avy's family and many friends dearly loved her. She was an upstanding citizen of Baraboo where she worked as a beautician and was a community service volunteer, most notably with the Baraboo Theatre Guild (BTG). When Avy was in high school, she worked as an usher at the Al. Ringling Theatre. Due to their love of the arts and dedication to the community, in the early 1940's she and her husband, John, helped form the Baraboo Theatre Guild (BTG). They wanted to "volunteer their time to do something for the community that would give the people a place to go to see live performances." Avy remained a devoted member of the BTG, attending meetings and events, and working on productions for over 70 years. Her greatest love of the theater was seeing the audience applauding and appreciating the production. Avy was also actively involved in the "Al. Ringling Theatre Friends" group, assisting in restoration efforts for the Al. Ringling Theatre. Avy said her one wish was that she could live long enough to see the completion of that restoration, which she did. She also volunteered at the Farm Kitchen dinner theatre, other theater events in the Baraboo area, and the Circus World Museum.Avy overcame many obstacles throughout her life. She would say "I don't give up that easy" and move forward with grace and dignity. She was optimistic, selfless, and loving. Her family and friends were the most important things to her. Although she lived a modest life, she was generous to her family, friends, and the Baraboo community, encouraging people to enjoy life, in fun and laughter.At Avy's request, there will be no formal memorial service. To support her love of the theatre and the Baraboo community, memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Baraboo Theatre Guild or to St. Clare Meadows. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.