Richard Dean Pilger

DeForest - Richard D. “Dick” Pilger, age 82, of DeForest, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Prairie Gardens. He was born on Dec. 25, 1938, in Hokah, Minn., the son of Alden and Bernice (Geiwitz) Pilger. Dick worked as a welder for Dairy Equipment Corporation, retiring after more than 30 years. Some of Dick’s favorite pastimes were making memories with his family and friends, hunting and fishing. He loved hunting with his family locally in Wisconsin, and also enjoyed going to Colorado for elk hunting and to Canada for fishing. Dick supported and coached his daughter, Jolene, in the Special Olympics. He enlightened the lives of many with his sense of humor and storytelling. Dick has left a legacy of love with all those whom he has touched over the years. Richard is survived by three daughters, Yvette (Craig) Schambow, Bethann (Carl) Walz and Jolene (Keith) Grass; three grandsons, Brent (Chani) Schambow, Brandon Walz and Brice (Tomalyn) Schambow; two granddaughters, Brittany (James Gibson) Schambow and Bryanna (Lucas) Stando; five great-grandchildren; the mother of his children, Sharon Pilger; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Anderson; two brothers, Jerry (Karen) Pilger and Thomas (Beth) Pilger; and parents, Alden and Bernice Pilger. A visitation will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021. A private funeral service will be held following the visitation with burial at Highland Memory Gardens. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of Prairie Gardens for their loving support and care of “Richie.” Family also wishes to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all everyone has done. Memorials may be made to Special Olympics of Wisconsin. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420