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Gustave Schill Obituary

Gustave Benedikt Schill PLANO, TX - September 3, 1942 - May 31, 2025 On May 31, 2025, Gustave Benedikt Schill died peacefully at his residence in Plano, Texas. The relatives and friends of Gus are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 21, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad St., Charleston, SC. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends the evening prior, June 20, between 5:00 and 7:00 pm at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Gus was born in Charleston, SC, on September 3, 1942, to the late Mary Benedikt Schill and Joseph Spencer Schill. He grew up on the peninsula in Ansonborough then later lived in Radcliffborough. Summers were spent with his parents, grandmother, aunts, and four siblings on Station 26, near the "back landing" on Sullivan's Island. In his thick Charleston accent, he began many stories about his childhood with, "Over on the island..." He graduated from Bishop England High School in 1960 and worked in Operations at the South Carolina State Ports Authority until retiring in the1980's. Gus was a loving son, brother, husband, proud father, and friend to many. He was charming, ever polite, and had an uncanny ease and willingness to engage in conversation with anyone he met. He will always be remembered for his kindness. He was a devoted Roman Catholic who reminisced fondly about growing up in the old St. Joseph's parish on Anson Steet. Gus later belonged to Blessed Sacrament and Cathedral parishes and spent many years volunteering for weekly watches in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Blessed Sacrament Church. Gus was a genteel man of great faith, which provided him and his family with steadfast strength throughout life's tribulations. He also found great joy in a variety of musical genres, particularly classical, and amassed a large collection of albums and live concert recordings. Gus was predeceased by his wife, Mary Condon Schill, who died in 2018 after an extended illness. He attentively managed the household during her illness, which was quite the role reversal for someone married to a retired nurse. Gus later moved to Plano, Texas, to live near his daughter, Ellen, and her family. This move would be a shock to many Charlestonians at that late stage of life, but for Gus it was the genesis of a new lease on life! His retirement community and neighbors provided him with a continuous stream of social engagement and activities. Gus thrived in this new environment and eventually served as the Vice President of his community association. Everyone he encountered was delighted by his southern charm and engaging smile. He loved spending time with his daughter and her family on their weekly outings to concerts, parks, doctor's appointments, Sunday church services (Texas style), and all that the Dallas area has to offer. He also became a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. In the sunset of his life, he was engaged more than ever. Gus is survived by his daughter, Ellen Schandlbauer, her husband, Ed, and their two children, Ian and Emily, of Frisco, Texas; his son, Ben Schill, his wife, Katie, and their two children, Lauren and Rebecca, of Norfolk, Virginia; brother, Joseph Schill (Sheila - deceased); three sisters including his twin, Patricia Hocutt (Bill), Carolyn Eiserhardt (Chuck), and Jeannie Hillock (Gordon); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His family would like to thank the loving staff at Prestonwood Court as well as the nurses from Kindful Health who cared for Gus in his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bishop England Endowment Fund: https://www.behs.com/annualfund/ or the American Heart Association: https://pages.heart.org/why-give-now

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jun. 19 to Jun. 20, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Gustave Schill

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation.

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Jane Pattillo Stretch

July 1, 2025

My condolences to your wonderful family. I was not aware of Gus’s finding eternal peace. He was a wonderful man . All the Schill children were super people.

Megan Ledford

June 28, 2025

I visited Gus on Saturday every couple weeks always bring him a card and some candy from target. He loved Andes chocolate or jelly belly jellybean, and he was usually playing cards.
Or having dinner with friends at Prestonwood Court in the dining room he always had a big smile and hug and told me to tell my mother Mary Lou, how much hebloved us so sad to hear of his passing and may he rest in peace. God bless the family. You´ll be missed

Mary Lou and Megan Ledford

June 28, 2025

Gus was always a wonderful friend to visit at Prestonwood Court and bring Christmas cards, Thanksgiving cards and Valentine cards from Mary and Megan Ledford and always bringing him his favorite candy Andes chocolate mints and jellybeans every couple of weeks on Saturday when he was not busy playing cards at Prestonwood Court He always had a big smile and a big hug for us. And always said thank you for coming to visit me and sometimes we would sit down and have dinner with him in the dining room.He will be missed rest in peace. You are a very special person and will be missed prayers to your family. Mary Lou, and Megan Ledford Plano, Texas.

Cynthia Ward -Harmon

June 24, 2025

Sending prayers and condolences to the entire family and I remember Mr. Schill as I called him and his wife, Mrs. Mary when I met them when I worked at Kmart pharmacy and he always said call me Gus.
He was a wonderful person and also had great conversations with him and I was his mom private caregiver and when he visited we had so many conversations and he will definitely be missed.
sending hugs to everyone and prayers during your time of bereavement.

Becky Leitch

June 21, 2025

Carolyn, Tricia and all of the Schill family,
So sorry to learn of the passing of Gus. Please accept my condolences. I will be keeping the family in my prayers .

Gerry Williams Waring

June 20, 2025

I remember going swimming after naptime with the Schills and Aunt Susie. We always walked barefoot on the hot pavement on the way to the beach, throwing our towel down to step on when we couldn't stand it any longer. Gus always seemed to be the first on the beach as we headed to the gully.
Summer just didn't start until the Schills moved over when school was out!

Janet Poole

June 20, 2025

Lots of memories of Gus & the Schill family growing up in old St Joseph´s community.
Know he will be missed by family.
Give yourself plenty of mind lots of time to process your lost. RSIP.ì

American Heart Association

June 20, 2025

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Janice Moore

June 20, 2025

I lived next door to the Schill´s on Sullivan´s Island. We all played together every day when their family was on the Island. I remember playing Red Rover, Red River Come Over and many other childhood games. Being outside and having the Schill children as friends are of my fondest memories. I will keep the Schill family in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheré Willard Edwards

June 12, 2025

I well remember cousin Gus and the many wonderful times I had making memories on Sullivan’s Island with him. We spent many summers going to my great Aunt Susie’s house and “the back landing” with his sisters Carolyn and Jean, hearing his many jokes, and always seeing that glowing smile of his. Condolences to his children, grandchildren, and all the Schills.

Odessa Blackwell

June 12, 2025

Gus was an amazing man, and his presence is truly missed here at Prestonwood Court. I miss my morning greetings when I come to work. And the little dance with a dip on Sunday mornings. He was a true southern gentleman. I'm sure God welcomed you home with open arms.

Gilbert Castilla

June 12, 2025

Mr. Vice President of Prestonwood Court you will be missed. Thank you for all the laughs. Prayers to the family.

Rosie Ryan

June 11, 2025

Prayers and condolences to all of his family-may he rest in peace and all comforted by his sweet smile.

Marcia Pate Castaño

June 8, 2025

Experiencing sweet memories of Gus and sending heartfelt thoughts to his family.

Janice Parnell Tompkins

June 7, 2025

To the family of Gus Schill! Prayers for you and the family! May he rest in peace!

Alma Runey

June 6, 2025

I am so sorry to hear about Gus. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with all.

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Memorial Events
for Gustave Schill

Jun

20

Rosary

6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

James A. McAlister Funeral Home

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

Jun

21

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

120 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Jun

21

Service

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Holy Cross Cemetery

Fort Johnson and Harbor View Roads, Charleston, SC

Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

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