Rev. Fred Shilling, born in Johnstown, PA on January 22, 1934 died on Sunday, September 24, 2017.   He was the son of Rev. Russell T. Shilling and Flora Himes Shilling.  He leaves his wife, Marlene Sterner Shilling, daughter, Ann Gwinnutt and husband Joseph, Brian Shilling and wife Karen. He is grandfather to Mariel and Larson Shilling, Cameron Gwinnutt and Jessica Nigro and husband Don. He has one great grandchild; Olivia Nigro. He has been part of the loving family of St. Bartholomew’s United Church, (ELCA) and the larger family of God in which we are all beloved children.

Fred was an ordained Lutheran pastor, serving churches in Hummelstown, Dallas, TX and Albany, NY. He served most of his career as a hospital chaplain at RHD medical center in Dallas, TX and Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY.  Fred was on the former Texas Louisiana Synod staff as well as the former Central Pennsylvania Synod staff.   He also served on the National church staff.  One of his fondest jobs was the training of military chaplains both in San Antonio, TX and at Walter Reed hospital Washington, DC.   This part time labor of love permeated about 30 years of his life and took him to Germany and Korea several times. He was adventuresome and forward thinking in all he did and after retirement, in 2000, spent many years as an interim pastor and church consultant, working to make healthy churches and building bridges - not walls.

Fred’s siblings are Stan and his wife Shirley Shilling, Barbara and her husband David Klepper, brother in law Barry and his wife Cathy, Curt and his wife Mary.

Fred was pre-deceased by a sister Ruth Shilling Haas and an infant brother.

Fred’s last few weeks of life have been surrounded with family and friends from many places, visiting, encouraging, praying, and calling on the phone.  It has brought him much joy, strength and comfort. He looked forward to life beyond this life. Thanks to all who helped him on his way.

We thank all the staff and residents at Spiritrust Lutheran, the village at Utz Terrace, and the Lutheran Health Homecare and hospice for skillfully helping him on this journey.

A Service of Life Celebration will be held at St. Bartholomew’s United Church, 1204 Grand Valley Road, on Saturday, September 30th at 10:30 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Bartholomew’s United Church, ELCA, Camp Nawakwa Scholarship Fund, 1204 Grand Valley Road, Hanover, PA 17331

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com. 

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