Eugene D. Schildberger

Eugene D. Schildberger, age 73 of Groton, SD, died Sunday, March 18, 2012 at the St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen, SD. Visitation will be Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 6:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the St. Mary's Catholic Church of Park River, ND. Parents: Alphonse and Anne (Horesjh) Schildberger. Survived by twin sisters: Joanne (Jerry) Sandy, Fargo, ND and Janice Hoffman, Groton, SD; nephews: Perry (Diane) Sandy, Waynesboro, PA; Wade (Amy) Sandy, Fargo, ND; David Sandy, Bismarck, ND; Tim (Kary) Sandy, Fargo, ND; nieces: Paige (Marty) O'Keefe, Chaska, MN; Janet Krinke, Blue Earth, MN; Elizabeth (Toby) Doeden, Groton, SD; Becky (Ryan) Hearnen, Peoria, AZ; Jessica (Nicholas) Huber, Conde, SD; 14 great nephews and 11 great nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Albert and brother-in-law Ronald Hoffman. Eugene was one of the longest living persons with Down Syndrome and was a very special gift from God to his family and everyone him. He was forever a loving child. Eugene was born in Park River, ND. He lived at home in Park River until 1992 when he moved to Groton, SD with his Dad. Eugene's mother passed away in 1974. His dad died in 1995 and then Eugene continued to live in Groton with his sister Janice. The last one and a half years he spent his life in a nursing home. Eugene loved music - especially polka music. He loved to color and draw house plans because his dad was a carpenter and painter. He enjoyed picking plums, June berries and peas in the garden. He enjoyed going to all the threshing bees and always had fun with his nieces and nephews. He loved sports and was a saver and collector of baseball cards. Eugene had a memory for numbers and the calendar, always reminding his dad of everyone's birthdays, even telling him in advance of what day of the week it fell on for that whole year. He will be greatly missed!