Don Thomas Pilger

Don Thomas Pilger

Age 84 Of Woodbury, MN

Passed Away 03/31/2024 Devoted Husband, Father, Papa Preceded in death by wife Elizabeth “Bette” Pilger; parents Ervin and Ida (Halphaus) Pilger; father-in-law Albert Haider Sr. and mother-in law Marion (Steigauf) Haider; sister Sally and brother-in-law Red Houle; brother John Pilger; brother-in-law Albert HaiderJr.; nephews West Houle, Steve Houle; and many close relatives and friends.

Survived by children Deb (Dave) Werner and Tom (Becky) Pilger; his cherished grandchildren Madison (Spencer), Morgan, Mackenzie, Jack, Kayla. Also survived by sister-in-law Abigail “Gail” Pilger; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Karen and Jim Winters, Ginny Haider, Mary Jo and Craig Brownell; many special nieces and nephews; many cousins and loving friends. Also those from the Highwood Over the Hill Gang.

Born in Hokah, MN on December 14, 1939. Don grew up in St. Paul. He attended grade school at Taylor Park (SS Taylor Grade School) and graduated from Harding High School in 1957. During high school Don ran track, was on the gymnastics team and worked at his mother’s friend’s Laundry & Dry Cleaning store. Don did not play on the hockey team, but told many stories of the times they took railroad ties to make their rink and strap magazines to their knees for pads. He said they could have given the team a run for their money. After high school, Don worked construction with his father as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Fisher Construction. Don served in the Air Force from 1961-1965 as a Medic at Traverse AF Base in California. He met his lovely bride, Bette, at a wedding in 1962. They were married on July 30, 1966 for 56 fun-filled years. Don started his long career with the Post Office in 1965, mostly as a Mail Carrier. His career took him from downtown St. Paul, Eastern Heights/Sunray branch, Cottage Grove and then retired from Woodbury. He loved to say he was the first Mail Carrier for Woodbury. Don was offered a position as Supervisor which he took, but then quickly realized he missed his route(s), the people, and talking to everyone. Don was one of a kind.

With his children, Don was always around for dinners (even cooking), hanging in the yard, playing games, sharing ice cream cones (to taste more flavors) in the car, and always ready to take a “quick stop” to the cave or roadside attraction we happened to pass by while driving. It wasn’t unusual to come home from church with mom to find a pot of chili on the stove and the living room vacuumed and rearranged. As we grew up, dad was always there to fix something, build something or clean your garage.

As for his grandchildren, Don adored them. He never missed a sporting event (giving the “Malooch” when needed) or school function. He was the biggest cheerleader and they were all “perfect.” Don helped with homework, put together bikes, and teared up at anything and everything. He was hands-on and made every event fun; filled with laughter and smiles… and a BIG “Papa Hug.”

Don filled our lives (many times to mom’s dismay) with his never-ending desire to have fun, be silly and laugh. And, of course, to tell us a story. Everyone Don came in contact with he made laugh with his one-liners, funny sayings and stories he told. Don loved to fish. Some may say he was a better storyteller than a fisherman. He enjoyed tinkering and cleaning his garage, playing cribbage, taking car rides with mom, going out to eat, and playing cards with mom and extended family. Don was up for anything. He filled our hearts with his smile, laughter, silliness and stories. Most of all, we will miss his zest for fun and his unconditional love he had for all of us and anyone he met.

Memorial Celebration of Life Luncheon Sunday, April 21st from 11am-2:30pm at Stonemill Farms Community Center, 11390 Waterview Way, Woodbury. Private family burial with military honors Monday, April 22nd 8:45am-9:30am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the following in memory of Don Pilger: To “Presbyterian Homes & Services Foundation-Stonecrest” at www.preshomes.org and designate “Activities” to continue the things Don enjoyed so much. To the “Vermilion Lake Association” at www.vermilionlakeassociation.org to help continue making Don’s fishing spot and cabin home special.

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