John Pils passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family on July 14, 2026. He lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to family and friends, service to his country and community, hard work, humor and love.
John is survived by the love of his life, Dolores “Dee” Pils (nee Stolarski) to whom he was married to for over 68 years. John is the beloved father of Karen Reinhardt, cherished grandfather of Lauren, Natalie (Jack Even) and Allison Reinhardt. Dear brother of Margaret “Marge” King and the late Harry Pils and Mary Anna “Nan” Beckmann; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, godfather, cousin and friend to many.
John served in the Navy, sailing around the world on a naval destroyer. It was there that he became interested in electrical power. John went on to become an electrician and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW-Local #1) for over 70 years.
In 1996, John began his well-earned 30+ year retirement in which he enjoyed traveling, following the stock market and politics, meeting with friends at South County Mall and the casino, dining out, doing crossword puzzles, watching “Jeopardy,” attending all of his granddaughter’s many sporting events, playing playful pranks and telling jokes.
Those who knew John will remember his fantastic sense of humor, his loving nature and the joy and laughs he brought to others.
SERVICES: Memorial visitation at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (4900 Ringer Road) on Wednesday, August 5 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM; followed by a mass at 11:00 AM. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
If desired, memorials can be made to:
IBEW-Local #1 Relief Fund
5850 Elizabeth Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
“A life well lived is a life never forgotten.”
The greatest Father-in-Law a man was ever proud to have. RIP.
Loved John so much!! He was kind, honest, loving, courageous, generous, genuine, he loved his family so, so much. John reminded me so much of my dad and husband. Quality. Love to you Dee, Karen and the family. You were blessed with one of the very best. 🩵🙏
I met John Pils over 40 years ago when he was the steward from IBEW Local 1 at the Ford Plant by the airport and he checked me in, we had a cup of coffee, we soon car pooled and later both went to Procter & Gamble. John was a good friend, hardworking, sincere, ready to help, fun to be with and always had a joke. Our dear wives soon became friends. John was such a special friend, and I will greatly miss him.
We were lucky to know John and Dee thru mutual friends. So many good memories. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Coco McLaughlin
I met John and Dee just a few years ago when I became friends with their daughter, Karen. I was instantly taken by John’s strong presence, quick wit and sense of humor, compassion for others and the love and devotion he had for his family. Karen told me recently, “I had the best dad a girl could have. He hung the moon and the stars for me.” Wow. It still brings tears to my eyes. He will be profoundly missed.
John Pils was a good sweet kind man. In the years that my family and I have known John and Dolores and Karen. I have never heard John raise his voice in anger or use his voice to speak unkindly of any person. He was a joy to be around and always had a smile on his face. He was always there if you needed a hand and will be missed dearly by me and my family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John Pils was one of the nicest men I have ever met while working in the electrical industry.
I was an apprentice electrician in 1969 and he made sure that I was doing everything correctly.
His humor was his trademark.
Rest in peace John
How lucky are those whose lives were touched by your sweet Dad, Karen…a man who continued to ask about my family long after we had moved away. It was always a brighter day to have the luck of a hello and laugh with your dad. May the love you all share with him give you comfort at this exceptionally difficult time. Sending love and prayers.
I remember him while growing up and all of the family gatherings. A very nice man.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of a great man. John was a dear friend of my father’s, and there are so many cherished memories, throughout my life, of John’s kindness, devotion to his family, and his remarkable sense of humor. His laugh was contagious. My love and sympathy goes out to Dee, Karen, Lauren, Natalie, and Allison. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and Rest in peace, John Pils. Love from Kathy & Jimmy & the Bill Mannion family.