Dustin Schillinger has left this world but, rest assured, his spirit will be felt forever. Dustin’s spirit will spend much time watching over friends and family while they are on adventures.
Dustin was born on August 23, 1981, to Keith and Kristie Schillinger, in Deadwood SD. As a child growing up in Lead he had a yearning for history while most kids were home playing video games. He was always working to help the elderly neighbors take care of their yards or snow shoveling. He spent countless hours visiting with the elders as they described their lives growing up in Lead. Dustin never forgot what he was told by the elders. Dustin became an avid collector of historic items.
In 2002, Dustin became a proud father of his daughter, Sydney Schillinger. Together they spent a great deal of time chasing down cool relics from the past. Dustin and Sydney were big fans of hard rock groups and were able to attend countless numbers of concerts together. This duel was later joined by Dustin‘s wife and best friend, Jenny.
As a young man Dustin started hard rock mining in Montana. He later decided to become an MHSA inspector out of the Topeka Kansas office. Dustin worked as an inspector for around five years before returning to Montana to work again as a hard rock miner and mine supervisor. He moved to Butte where he met the love of his life, Jenny.
Dustin grew tired of being away from Jenny for seven days at a time and took a job with Montana resources as a haul truck driver in Butte. Dustin had a massive collection of advertising and mining artifacts; he created the “Museum of Radness” in their home in Butte. Anyone who was lucky enough to get to see his collection will never forget their visit. Dustin could tell you where everything came from. Most of all, he loved telling the stories about his collection.
He also had an amazing ability to research and write articles about mining history. His greatest collection were the thousands of friends across the country who he would swap stories with and get a lead on the next treasure. Dustin accomplished more in his life but there is not enough room in any publication to list it all. His friends and all those that loved him know what he accomplished. While his body wore out, he will continue to kick ass at whatever his spirit decides it wants to do.
Dustin is survived by his love, Jenny; daughter, Sydney, and her husband, Nick, of Post Falls, ID; parents, Keith and Kristie Schillinger of Coeur d’Alene, ID; grandmother, Lois Sever of Longville, MN; sister, Jennifer Crow, and her husband Will; two nephews, Bradley and Cooper Crow; and niece, Kelly Crow, all of Billings, Montana.
A very special thank you to David Perlstein and Matt and Carissa Kratt for helping Dustin and Jenny during this difficult time. You are very dear to all of us. May Dustin live on with each one of you that crossed his path. He had a deep admiration for you all.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dustin. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Dustin and his family.
Tom Gordon says
Ode to the greatest miner and man I know.
You’ll be a part of me till my very past day… I’ll do my best to keep the Butte History we loved alive. I love you Dustin ❤️
Megan Deskins (Bridenstine) says
Keith, Kristie, Jennifer, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Dustin’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
From your neighbor on W. Addie St in Lead.
Cathy E Redfern says
Jenny, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am sending love and prayers to you. God bless you. Rest in peace Dustin.
Brady B says
I will forever miss Justin’s passion and knowledge for the smallest pieces of history that most would otherwise overlook. Always quick to school me over the mining artifacts I’ve found and sent to him over the years.
You are truly one of a kind brother. I hope you finally have your well deserved peace. I aspire to one day gain even a shred of the Radness in my own collection as you have in yours.
Sending love and prayers from Arkansas.
Leanne Schillinger says
I only recently heard about you Dustin. I wish we could have met – being a history buff, perhaps you could have helped us figure out how/if we are related. My best friend serves on the Montana Mining Board – so your story was very interesting to read. Rest easy Dustin.
Steve Walsh says
Deepest Sympathies to Jenny , Keith, Christie and Sydney at the loss of Dustin. The mining industry lost an outstanding son. His passion for all things Mining, safety of all, moving rock efficiently and dedication to his coworkers and a great employer are unsurpassed. RIP Dustin!
Dot &Woody says
So very sorry for your loss. Dusty was a great young man who touched the lives of everyone who was blessed to know him.
Sylvia and Roger Clark says
So sorry to hear about Dustin. Him and his family were very good friends and customers of our restaurant in Absarokee. Our thoughts and prayers go out the family.
Sandra Morales says
REVELATION 21:4 “AND HE WILL WIPE OUT EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES, AND DEATH WILL BE NO MORE, NEITHER WILL MOURNING NOR OUTCRY NOR PAIN BE ANYMORE. THE FORMER THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY.”
I hope that God’s promises of resurrection here on earth give you some peace and comfort.
Trey Rowe says
Dustin was a great guy. We never met in person, but often chatted through Facebook about history, especially antique advertising. Dustin had a knack for finding “the good stuff”. On more than one occasion he found items of interest to me. I did the same for him. RIP brother 🤘
Don Wallace says
To Dustin’s family. As you endure the grief that comes with the loss of a family member and realize it is the price we pay for love, it is then we can be thankful for the good memories and his smile for you to keep close at heart going forward. I never met Dustin in person, so my wife and I were planning a trip to Butte this summer for that reason. Our last contact was an email from him January 1st. I met Dustin through an eBay transaction many years ago. We both were constantly on the watch for beer collectibles; more specifically, Black Hills Brewing Gold Nugget. We had fun by way of emails and phone calls over the years, sharing our interesting collecting experiences. He was a good man! I will miss him. Don Wallace – Pierre SD
Anonymous says
I only met him once. He invited my friend Jim and and I into his home to see his amazing collection of mining artifacts. Very welcoming. I think he likes Reiner beer. God Speed.