Donald E. Pilger

Donald Eugene Pilger of Palatine joined his Lord and Savior unexpectedly but peacefully on December 14, 2013 while rehabilitating from knee replacement surgery at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, IL

Born to Carl and Lida Mae Pilger on March 8, 1934 in Beardstown Illinois, Don was the second of three boys.  He was an avid athlete and played football, basketball and baseball while attending Culver-StocktonCollege.  Upon graduation from college he married Patt Hass in June of 1956.  His career started as a high school coached but quickly changed when he accepted the position of Superintendent of Parks and Recreation in DeerfieldIllinois in the early 1960’s.  He held that position for 25 years building the district from the ground up.  During his tenure Deerfield constructed two public swimming pools, acquired land for parks including that of Mitchell Park, implemented hundreds of community programs, implemented a nursery school, and acquired a golf course and built the community center located in JewittPark.   Upon leaving that success he took the position of Superintendent of Golf and Concessions with the Northbrook Park District for 14 years and then retired.  He was a member of the Rotary club and many other Parks and Recreation organizations.

Donald leaves his brother Raymond (Judy) Pilger, His daughters, Pam (Joe) Morgan of Palatine, Cindy (Rich) Hoffman of Mundelein, Sandra Pilger and son D.J Pilger of Palatine.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mark, Melanie and Kevin Morgan, Ian, Brynn and Hope Hoffman, Julie and Peter Hoadley as well as his three beloved nephews, Steve, Scott and Sam Pilger and their families.

Don’s family invites friends to stop in on Sunday, January 5, 2014 between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM to Vittorio De Roma Restaurant, 154 W. Northwest Hwy. in Palatine, to share memories with a little food and drink.

One of Don’s wishes was to honor 3 generations of his family going to CulverStocktonCollege.  If you would like to make a donation towards this please send to:  Culver Stockton College, Advancement Office, 1 College Hill Dr., Canton, MO.  63435.