John Pilch

John Franklin "Skip" Pilch, age 89, of Park Falls, WI, went to his Heavenly home on January 15, 2022, after an unexpected illness. Skip was born on January 13, 1933, to Andrew and Susie (Raskie) Pilch in the Town of Worcester. He was the eldest of seven children and the best looking, often being mistaken for Burt Reynolds.

After graduating from Phillips High School in 1951, he joined the Air Force, which took him on many adventures overseas. He became an MP, which ignited his lifelong career in law enforcement. His work life was spent in local police work, many years as security with the Navy ELF site in Clam Lake, and even some private investigating. He also enjoyed work as a printer. After having worked for Weber Printing, he owned the Pilch House of Print in Phillips during the 1970's.

On June 25, 1969, he married Violet Bogdanovic (Risberg). They became an instant family, as he became stepdad to Mike, Karri, and Steve-Vi's children from her first marriage. They completed their family in March of 1971 with Heather Lee. Skip and Violet were married for 48 years before Vi passed in 2017.

Skip was an all-around "good egg", who was willing to help anyone. He was generous and wanted everyone to be safe and taken care of. Skip enjoyed talking with friends and family and sharing many colorful stories. He was a great storyteller and enjoyed a good laugh. He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed his grandkids, spending many hours on adventures making many treasured memories. He also loved country music, mostly the old classics like Marty Robbins. His love for country music resulted in many crazy family trips to Nashville and The Grand Ole Opry. He was a animal lover and has left behind his most loved kitty, Zoey.

Skip is survived by his daughter, Heather (Bill) Rominske; three stepchildren, Mike Bogdanovic, Karri Marinko, and Steve (Deb) Bogdanovic; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-
Grandchildren; sister, Susan Heizler; brothers, Andy Jr. (Chris) Pilch, Rich (Laurie) Pilch, and Karl (Marie) Pilch; numerous nieces and nephews; other family and friends. All of which will miss him greatly.

Skip was preceded in death by his wife, Violet; parents; two sisters, Mary Oberg and Marlene Hueckman; and two infant grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11 a.m. on January 24, 2022, at Heindl Funeral home, 304 N Avon Avenue in Phillips, WI, with Military Honors to follow. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ogema, WI.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the VFW Post 5778 in Phillips and Catkins Animal Rescue in Park Falls would be appreciated. Both organizations were very close to Skip's heart.