Peter William Illing

Peter William Illing, 77, of Orangevale, CA passed away on Tuesday January 16, 2024. He was born in Las Vegas, NV on October 8, 1946 to Ruth Doreen Pietz and Arno Hienz Israelski. He had a brother Michael who predeceased him. He enlisted in the United States Army and at the young age of 18, was entrusted to be a sentinel (guard) for nazi war criminals being held at Spandau Prison in West Berlin Germany. He was very proud of his service and received a “letter of commendation” from his commanding Infantry Captain. After his discharge he traveled through Europe, Morocco and Peru and after his travels returned to the United States and settled in San Francisco, which he forever considered his true home.

In 1983 Peter met the love of his life, Vera, and they were married for over 37 years. They loved their home life and lived many years in San Francisco as well as Lake Tahoe, and later settled in Orangevale. They had a passion for movies, good food, their fur babies and were always overjoyed to be in each others company.

Peter was a successful realtor in San Francisco at West and Prazker Real Estate. He was forever indebted to his broker Michael Klestoff, as being the best mentor he could ever wish for . He always had an unwavering devotion and commitment to his clients success. This unwavering devotion and commitment also and mostly extended to his beloved 49er’s, S.F. Giants, and Warriors. All who knew Peter, know that he had a hand from up above, in the 49ers winning the game on Sunday 1/28/24. He would want everyone to cheer them on for the Super Bowl 2024.

Peter loved music and felt so blessed to share music and concerts with his greatest best friend and business partner Mark Dyson. He felt so fortunate to have such a friend and was forever honored by Mark and Jennifer to be asked to be Godfather to their daughter Julia.

Peter is survived by his wife and soul mate Vera, their beloved furry kids, sister in laws, brother in laws, many nieces, nephews,  great nephews, and numerous friends. He felt friendships were not defined nor measured by the amount of time he spent with people, but by the care he felt for them and by the things he did for them.

Thank you to all the relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers of both Peter and Vera who expressed all their love and concern for them while he was ill. Peter would especially want Nikki his niece to know, what it meant to him that within a moments notice, she was there for him and Auntie Vera to show her love, care, concern and support. He will be forever indebted.

Private Service at VA Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

Celebration of life announced at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers donate to animal organizations or charities.

Grieve not, nor speak

of me with tears

but laugh

And talk of me

as if I were

beside you.

I loved

you so-

’twas heaven

Here with you.

Isla Pashal Richardson