Larry Paul Schiller

Larry Paul Schiller, 84, of Galesburg, died at 9:15 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, in the Knox County Nursing Home.

He was born July 12, 1940, in Los Angeles, the son of Gilbert and Mabel Schiller.

He is survived by his brother, Tim Schiller and wife Charlene Lund; sister, LaVonne Aldag and husband Ken; nieces Whitney Schiller and Janet Gengozian; nephews David Aldag, Steven Aldag, and Daniel Aldag, numerous great nieces and nephews, and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry graduated from Fresno High School in California in 1958.  He went on to graduate from Drake University in Des Moines in 1962, and earned a master’s degree from George Williams College.  Before moving to Galesburg in 2011, Larry had lived in Winona, Minnesota and Fresno, California.  

In Winona, Larry served as the director of the YMCA.  He later owned and operated Drake Tours, based in Fresno, for 20 years before retiring in 2003.  Drake Tours had many, many loyal customers, and Larry developed numerous friendships during the numerous cruises and tours that he led all over the world.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Galesburg.  Larry was also a member of the American Bus Association.  He enjoyed traveling by train and was an Amtrak Volunteer Station Host, and Operation Life Saver presenter.  In Fresno, Larry was one of the original organizers of the Fresno State Red Wave.

Larry loved to laugh, closely followed the social & political happenings in the country, and could always be counted on for a good joke.  He saw the world, and loved engaging with everyone he met.  He will be greatly missed.

As Larry requested, cremation will be accorded. No service is planned at this time. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Winona, Minnesota YMCA or Galesburg First Lutheran Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.

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