Ronald "Sonny" Pilz

Ronald (Sonny) H. Pilz of Perryville, MO passed away on February 3, 2016 at Estates of Perryville in Missouri. Ron was born on February 20, 1938, the son of Henry and Mildred (Schlimpert) Pilz. He was raised in Perryville along with his sister LaVerne (Tootsie) DeGenova and brother Gerald. Following graduation from Perryville High School in 1956 he attended Washington University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in January of 1960. In 2003 he completed a short program for leaders in nonprofit organizations through the Center for Business Excellence at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Following his love of learning, Ron began a career as a school teacher. He taught American government, history, and geography in Charleston, MO before later moving to a similar teaching position in Ste. Genevieve, MO. During his free time he enjoyed reading and participating in political activities in southeast Missouri. He was selected to participate in an exchange program that allowed him to travel extensively in Japan and other areas of Asia and Europe.After his retirement, Ron settled in Cape Girardeau where he utilized his talents in a variety of volunteer activities. He was a strong advocate for senior citizens and for the rights of those with disabilities, receiving several awards for his work in these areas. He also was a valuable volunteer for the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and received the Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2003. When his health began to decline, Ronald moved into the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau where he was loving cared for. After several years there he returned to his native Perryville and has been similarly well-cared for at Perry Oaks Manor.Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mildred Pilz, and by his sister LaVerne DeGenova and her husband Gerard DeGenova. He is survived by his brother Gerald (Jerry) Pilz (Judy) and by his nieces and nephews in whom he took great delight. They include: John Pilz (Maria), Christopher Pilz (Angela), Jennifer Pilz-Coulibaly (Manfa), Kerry Pilz, Mark DeGenova (Mary Ellen), Ann DeGenova Marty (Tim), John DeGenova (Alison), Sue DeGenova Streetman (Greg), Mary Kay DeGenova Basler (Mike), and Gerry DeGenova (Aracelli Flores). He is also survived by 25 great nieces and nephews: Sara Sellers (John), Daniel DeGenova (Stephanie), Gina Rau (Steve), Michael Marty (Claire), Philip Marty (fiancée Anna), Leah Marty, Michelle Streetman, Chris Streetman, Sabrina DeGenova, Anthony DeGenova, Louis Basler, Ella Basler, Sara, Tara, Kara, Jordan and Lauren Pilz, Cameron, Addison, Ashton, and Aldi Pilz, Aliou, Jerred, Emmanuel, and Elijah Coulibaly and 5 great-great nieces and nephews: Blake and Logan Sellers, Ellie Rau, and Aleigha and Lyla DeGenova. Mr. Pilz was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Perryville, MO. Visitation will be held at Young and Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday, February, 10 from 8:30 am until the time of Service at 10:00 am with Rev. Matthew Marks officiating. Burial in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Perryville. Memorial contributions may be made to Crown Hospice in Perryville or the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau.

Tributes

Ronald "Sonny" Pilz

February 20, 1938 - February 3, 2016