Eileen Madonna Schiltgen, age 93, of River Falls, passed away peacefully at her residence on March 14, 2026. She was born on August 31, 1932, to Louis and Catherine (Jauert) Zeman in Winneshiek County, Iowa. One of six children, Eileen’s strength and resilience were evident from an early age. After the loss of her mother to cancer when Eileen was just 14 years old, she left school to help care for her siblings, taking on responsibilities far beyond her years.

Eileen was united in marriage to Francis Theodore Timp, and together they were blessed with seven children: Jerome, VaLinda, LaVern, Frances, Wanda, Raphael, and Michael. In 1959, Francis passed away, leaving Eileen a young widow at just 27 years old, with six children and one on the way. With incredible determination and strength, she carried on, raising her family on her own and ensuring they remained together.

Later, Eileen found love again and was united in marriage to Herbert Schiltgen in 1966. Together, they welcomed one child, Perri, and continued building a life centered around family, hard work, and perseverance.

Eileen found joy in many things. She loved flowers, traveling, dancing, and especially polka music, and also enjoyed reading and sewing quilts... Eileen was a social person who loved family gatherings, celebrations, and spending time with those she loved. Whether tending to her flowers, enjoying a lively dance, or simply being surrounded by family, she cherished life and the people in it.

Eileen was an extraordinarily strong and determined woman who devoted her life to caring for others. After raising her children, Eileen was able to obtain her GED, she continued her education to become certified in-home healthcare. She went on to work in home healthcare, numerous nursing homes, and in the care of disabled individuals. She had a remarkable work ethic and always tried to make the most of each day. Eileen was hard on herself if she felt she had not accomplished enough, always keeping busy and making sure there was something worthwhile being done.

Above all, Eileen will be remembered as a woman of tremendous grit, love, and devotion—a caretaker, a provider, and the heart of her family. Her legacy of strength, sacrifice, and determination will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

Eileen is survived by her children: Jerome (Elizabeth) Timp, VaLinda Henry, Frances Mittl, Wanda Egan, Raphael Timp, Michael (Laurie) Timp and Perri Schiltgen; daughter-in-law, Margaret Timp; grandchildren: Karen Timp, Kathy Timp, Sharon (Stacy) Zimmer, Brian Timp, Tanya (Raymond) Strantz, Threasa Timp, Shawn (Patrick Bauerfield) Timp, Jodi (Brad Erickson) McKenzie, Patrick Egan, Matthew Timp, Rebecca (Brian) Holten, Katie (Chandler Brennen) Timp, Joseph Timp, Valene Miller and Vanessa Miller; Great- Grandchildren: Zachary Zimmer, Caleb Zimmer, Justice (Matthew Erickson) Henry, Dayton Henry, Alex Timp, Duane Bauerfield, Andrew Timp, Kelly McKenzie, Keri McKenzie, Eleasha McKenzie, Brandon McKenzie, Tyler McKenzie, Bradly Mower, Justin Holton, Zachary Holton, Austin (Abrianna Johnson) Strantz, Tanner (Nicole) Strantz, and Arrionna Strantz; Great-Great Grandchildren: Azelea Strantz, Ryker Strantz, Atlas Erickson, and Evelyn Bauerfield; her siblings: Wilford (Judy) Zeman, and David Zeman. Along with numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands: Francis Timp and Herbert Schiltgen; son, LaVern Timp, daughter in-law, Linda Timp, and son-in-law, Michael Egan; grandson, Troy Henry; great grandson, Shane Strantz; siblings: Esther Zeman, Francis (Sue) Zeman, Ervin Zeman and sister-in-law, Deloris Zeman; and her parents: Louis and Catherine Zeman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Parish: 231 W Woodworth St. Ellsworth, WI 54011. A visitation will begin at 11:00 AM until the start of Mass. Burial will be at St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Plymouth Rock (Decorah), IA.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.