Donald Wayne Pilz

Donald Wayne Pilz passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Carmichael, California. Born in Sacramento, California to Edmund Joseph Pilz and Marie Agnes Rogie Pilz of Penryn, California on March 23, 1940, his 84 years were varied and full.

Don was raised in Penryn where his father established Hillcrest Orchards, and attended Penryn Elementary School where his mother taught first and second grades. He was a graduate of Placer High School in Auburn where he played trombone, was active in gymnastics-particularly on the parallel bars, and even sang in a church choir. After high school he married Judy Snow and welcomed a son Steven. Growing up, he assisted his parents on the family's farm, eventually owning Hillcrest Orchards with Steven. However, farming was not his passion, and while his interest in accounting led to an AA degree in business at Sierra College, he wore other hats as a volunteer fireman for the Penryn Fire Department, a school bus driver, and working at Aerojet and the Sears, Roebuck and Company before being drafted and serving two years at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk, Louisiana) in the United States Army, where he met and married Nancy Karamales. After his military service, he, Nancy, and daughter, Lisa moved to California where another daughter, Tamara (Tami) was born. He continued his position with Sears and retired from his employment as a Service Technician after 35 years.

Known to some as Grandpa Long Hair, and others as Misnlink (to explain his relationship between his father and his son), he was a regular blood donor giving hundred of pints, had an impressive Tinkerbell collection, was a member of E Clampus Vitus, and enjoyed preparing meals for scouting troops, tinkering, locksmithing, camping, sewing, photography, and travel (especially to Boomtown).

Don is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Judith Snow Hanley, cousins James Warness and Gary Morrison.

He is survived by his second wife, Nancy Karamales Pilz:; his children, Steven Pilz (Lisa), Lisa Johnson, Tamara Stutzman (Martin); grandchildren: Nicole Pilz, Brittany Dastmalchi (Trevor Calvert), Brandon Johnson (Daria), Nicholas Johnson, and Keldan Stutzman; extended grandchildren; Sean Gilland, Brandon Tollefson, Laura Kenworthy (Kody), Alexandra Sadek (Shad), Danielle Fernandez (Ryan); and extended great grandchildren: Kylor and Alea Kenworthy and Carter and Casey Fernandez.

The family would like to especially thank Sid, Marlene, Homese and Richard at Pure Care, and at Arias Hospice and Home Health care, Victoria, Jillian and Amy. Their compassion and care are appreciated.

The family invites you to a Memorial Service to celebrate Don's life at 1pm on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Placer Buddhist Church in Penryn.