Carla Schilken

Minot

Carla Schilken, 65, Minot, ND, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in her home surrounded by her family after a six-year battle with glioblastoma.

Carla Rae Backes was born October 6, 1960, the daughter of Roger and Connie (Schimmelpfennig) Backes, in Minot, North Dakota. She was raised and educated in Glenburn, where she graduated from Glenburn High School in 1979.

On July 11, 1981, Carla was united in marriage to Rick Schilken. In 1987, they moved to Glenburn, where they raised their three children, Chris, Dani, and Cameron. In her early years in Glenburn, Carla operated an in-home daycare so she could stay at home and raise her children. As well as providing daycare for the community.

In 1997, Carla began a successful career at Scheels. While working there Carla and Rick were able to enjoy many vacation trips that she earned for her sales. She was forced to retire from Scheels in 2019 due to health issues.

Family meant the world to Carla, especially her 10 grandchildren who were the joy of her life. She was incredibly proud of all of them.

She was a member of St. Philomena’s Catholic Church, Glenburn and later became a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Her loving family includes: husband of 44 years, Rick; children, Chris (Erika) Schilken, Glenburn, Cameron (Sara) Schilken, Minot, and Dani (Brent) Dolbeare; grandchildren, Vaida, Hazel and Burke Schilken, Bella, Knox, Mack, and Case Schilken, Reggan, Anabelle, and Slade Dolbeare; brothers, Brian (Joan) Backes, Blair (Annette) Backes, and Bryce Backes; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gayle Vogel, George (Kathie) Lach, Jim (Jeani) Geer, Jay (Shelley) Schilken; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pat and Bob Schilken; brother-in-law, Dick Vogel; sister-in-law, Patti Miller; niece, Tiffany Geer; and several aunts and uncles.

Christian Burial: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot.

Burial at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 1, 2025.