Harold Arthur Shilling

Harold Arthur Shilling Sr. of Freeland, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2020, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. He was 87 years old. Harold Arthur Shilling was born on March 10, 1933, in Dundee, Michigan, to the late Jack James and Clio (Collins) Shilling Sr. He was a 1951 graduate of Ann Arbor High School (Pioneer) in Ann Arbor. Following graduation, Harold attended Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) and was also quarterback of the football team. He married the love of his life, Tena Mae Williams on August 28, 1954, in Ann Arbor; she preceded him in death on October 9, 2003. Harold proudly enlisted in the United States Army serving overseas during peacetime in Germany and received an honorable discharge as well as many awards and commendations. Upon returning to the United States, Harold began working for the City of Ann Arbor as an inspector. He operated his own side construction business for much of his early life, mostly doing sidewalks and driveways. Harold then transferred from a city inspector and draftsman to become an Ann Arbor fireman. He enjoyed his duty on the rescue truck and high aerial ladder. As Harold and Tena continued raising their five children, he continued to work a second job as a swimming pool construction specialist. In later years, Harold assisted his son with the operation of the Midland Dawn Donut store and eventually owned and operated the Shilling Party Store on Elm Street in Saginaw. Upon his retirement, he began working for his son’s business, Kokomos Family Fun Center; where he assisted in the construction process and went on to become the first outside maintenance manager. Harold was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was still actively golfing last May. He also enjoyed woodworking, especially carving and building things. Harold also was very creative and artistic and was passionate about oil painting. Above all, he loved and cherished his family.

Surviving are three sons and two daughters: Harold (Theresa) Shilling Jr. of Saginaw; Marcia (Timothy) Bush of Saginaw; Martin (Debra) Shilling of NC; Lynn (David) Wadsworth of Belleville; Jed (Nancy) Shilling Sr. of Clarkston; 10 grandchildren: Jeanelle (Eric) Little, Regen (Jake) Burt, Eric (Betsy) Shilling, Donnie Shilling, Todd (Jennifer) Wadsworth, David (Amy) Wadsworth, Tena Wadsworth, Jed Shilling Jr, Luke Shilling, and Gabrielle Shilling; 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way; two sisters: Luella Owens of FL; Maxine Cox of FL. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers: Juanita (William) Koernke, Shirley Koebnic, Georgia Mae (Louis) Betke, Jack (Nora) Shilling Jr., and Wilbur (Beverly) Shilling.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road. Pastor Brenda Nolish will officiate. Military honors and burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Roselawn Memorial Gardens under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22. Family and friends are welcome to visit at the funeral chapel on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Due to restrictions set forth by the State of Michigan and the worldwide health pandemic, all visitors are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.casefuneralhome.com.