Robert J. "Bob" Pilzak

Robert (Bob) James Pilzak, age 80, of Two Rivers passed away peacefully Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center with his two children at his side. Bob was born June 16, 1940 in Two Rivers, son of the late Raymond James and Bernice Rose (Bishop) Pilzak. He was a graduate of Washington High School, Two Rivers, class of 1959. After graduation Bob served his country with the U.S. Army in the Atomic Division for a three year term. He then returned to Two Rivers and procured a position with Paragon Electric Company where he worked until retirement. During his career Bob earned two Associate Degrees. One in Electrical Engineering and the other in Finance. On October 24, 1964 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen Mary Simono at St Luke's Catholic Church, Two Rivers. Bob and Kathy had a love affair like no other. They were inseparable. Rarely would you see one without the other. Together they enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, biking, walking and cross country skiing. They were both blessed with many talents and after retirement they put those talents to use making crafts for sale in Door County and to share with family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking and she sewing and knitting. There wasn't anything they couldn't create or fix. Their home away from home was Point Beach State Forest. They were members of the Jayco Camping Club and the Friends of Point Beach State Forest where Bob served as treasurer for many years. Bob cared for Kathy as her Alzheimer's disease slowly stripped her of her memory and abilities while he at the same time struggled with mobility and health issues of his own. Unfortunately Bob and Kathy were separated in December of 2019 as Kathy's Alzheimer disease progressed to the point where he could no longer care for her. Silence is a sign of strength and a smile is a powerful tool. Bob had both. He had an immense gift of wisdom behind his quiet persona and an amazing curiosity for things around him. His strength never wavered in life's trials. Poet Robert W. Service stated, "It's the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race." Bob won in love, in family, in wisdom and in the strength he shared. And as we carry his memory we too will smile. Bob is survived by his wife: Kathleen Mary (Simono) Pilzak, one daughter and son-in-law: Lisa and Joe Perrizo; one son and daughter-in-law: Robert and Rhonda Pilzak; five grandchildren: Jack Perrizo , Anne Perrizo, Evan Pilzak, Emily Pilzak and Elaina Pilzak; one brother and sister-in-law: William and Shirley Pilzak; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Mary and Dennis Swoboda, Bette and Tom Dickenson, Jerry and Sue Simono, Tom Simono; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Bernice (Bishop) Pilzak, brother Joseph George Pilzak, niece Katrina Pilzak, father-in-law and mother-in-law Gerard Matthias and Katherine Grace (Beaton) Simono, brother-in-law James Simono, sister-in-law Darlene Simono and niece Mary Simono. Cremation has taken place at All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc and a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the Klein & Stangel Funeral Home, Two Rivers.  Officiating at the service will be Deacon Paul Gleichner.  Following the services the family invites all those in attendance to join them for a picnic lunch and walk at Point Beach State Park lodge.  The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.kleinandstangel.com. Memorials in Robert's name can be sent to the following which were dear to his heart: The Friends of Point Beach State Forest (www.friendsofpointbeach.org), Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to the following who helped Bob and his family: Aurora Bay Care Hospital, Green Bay; Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center; Aurora at Home Hospice; and family, friends and neighbors that helped care, transport and watch out for his wellbeing: Mary, Dennis and Chad Swoboda; Bette and Tom Dickenson; Ron and Kay Stangel and family; Barry and Sue Hett; Bob Samz and Jim and Gail Antonissen. The Klein & Stangel Funeral Home, Two Rivers is assisting the Pilzak family with funeral arrangements. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Robert J. "Bob" Pilzak, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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