Michael (Mick) Pillar, 75, passed away in his home on Friday, February 8, 2019 surrounded by his wife and daughter. He died stubborn as any good Irish man would. Mick pretended he didn’t smoke, enjoyed an occasional adult beverage, ate carbs, and thought walking a mile on the treadmill constituted sufficient daily exercise.
He met his future wife while they both worked at Lytton’s Clothing Store in Gary IN. Married almost 50 years to his wife Patty who he treated like a queen. So much so that her family teased her wondering if she knows how to pump gas or where the grocery store is. He would do everything for her, not because he had to, because he loved her and wanted to take care of her. He would indulge her by finding fabric stores in every city they visited so she could buy quilting fabric or other craft items for those projects she will someday do.
As a point of pride, he had a leading practice for grocery shopping at Meijer on Friday mornings that maximized the weekly flier, coupons, and organized by aisle. He described in lengthy detail to anyone who would listen, every meal he had eaten. He enjoyed trying new beers, scotch, and wine. Please raise a glass to celebrate the life of Mick.
Mick was born in famous Gary, Indiana (queue song) and grew up in Hobart, Indiana. Loving football is a must in Hobart. He graduated from Hobart High School in 1961 and attended Butler University. Mick’s father, George, was in the Army National Guard. Mick as a young teen would go with his dad to annual field training to shine boots during the summer. Mick began his military career at 17 in the National Guard, going active duty in 1980. He was a combat engineer and then recruiting and retention. He was awarded Sagamore of the Wabash in 1998 upon his retirement.
Mick and Patty lived in Griffith, Crown Point, Indianapolis, and Fishers Indiana. And a short stint at Ft. Belvoir VA.
Mick loved nothing better than to plan destination vacations. They made a point to tour Frank Lloyd Wright homes and enjoyed traveling to new cities and cruising to foreign countries. Mick and Patty were twenty-nine-year season ticket holders of the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre. Mick loved Cats (the musical, not the feline as he said they were sneaky. There’s probably a story here of childhood trauma he never shared).
Mick loved all racing and many a day enjoyed waving the start and finish flags. He enjoyed golfing in Ironwood Senior Golf league where his 6-hour rounds got him kicked off one of the leagues as the other old people said he was too slow. He is a staple of the scotch tasting at the Columbia Club. Mick and Patty truly enjoyed dancing at the Irvington Dance Club and LaDanse Ballroom, where they earned their Full Bronze in smooth ballroom dances. He was full of trivia he learned from Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader.
As a grandfather Mick enjoyed his grandchildren, traveling to Virginia to watch Collin play Lacrosse. Collin as a young boy was terrorized by his grandfather’s recommendation to “cut off” whichever body part was pinched, cut or bruised. Emma enjoyed each time Grandpa would try to teach her to cook, taking over when she achieved imperfection. He shared his love for the theatre with Lainey and Marin taking them to Disney on Ice and Elephant and Piggy.
Mick was preceded in death by his parents, Peg and George; his super fun sister, Marcia; brother, Terry ,a character in his own right; and his dog, Shadow.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Cheryl and Megan (Daniel); brothers, Mark (Linda), Bruce (Kathie), and Brian (Kathy); 4 grandchildren; brother-in-law, Merv; and scads of nieces and nephews.
Mick was such a proud military veteran. He was on the board of the Folds of Honor. The family wishes in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to www.foldsofhonor.org.
A viewing will be held 11:00 AM with a service at 1:00 PM on President’s Day, Monday, February 18, 2019 at Indiana Funeral Care 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis IN 46250.
Midge & Arlyn Prestholt says
We are so sorry to hear of Mick’s passing. What a wonderful guy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pat & Family.
MONTY REISINGER says
Mick I always thought I would go first gonna miss you brother we had a lot of fun in our career didn’t use Indy MEPS that often but the drive wasn’t bad knowing I was going to visit with you. I know you won’t be reading this but hopefully your family who already knows but will realize how you affected your co=workers I am just happy to say I’m so glad our paths crossed you will not be forgotten love you brother and this world lost a great American .
Rick and Linda Taylor says
Oh how we (fellow Region Rats) got a kick out of Mick’s obituary! It made us know him better and wish we had played Trivial Pursuit with him since he was so “well-read”. We will miss him, personally, and in Muir Woods.
Many hugs to the family at this time.
Love,
Rick and Linda Taylor
Kim Reynolds says
Pat –
As I read Mick’s obituary I found myself smiling. He was such a beautiful spirit and a great soul. I feel very blessed to have had both you and Mick as neighbors.
Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you and your family.
Mark Coers says
Mick was great American and he had a positive impact on anyone who was privileged to serve in Det 3 R&R, Indiana National Guard. He was a resident expert and we all seemed his counsel, and benefitted from his advice. Mick was a great family man and friend. Though we have had little contact due to distance and retirement I remember Mick as a proud Military Vetrran, Hoosier, and American. RIP and condolences to his wife and family.
Gina Schaeffer says
I am so sorry for you loss. Your tribute was lovely. My your happy memories bring you peace.
Gina and Eric Schaeffer
April says
Pat,
It does seem strange to smile and chuckle while reading an obituary, but clearly Mick was someone who enjoyed life fully and that came through in your remembrance of him. My heart is with you.
April Sterling
Brigitt Caito says
Pat, our chapter sends its deepest sympathy to you. Just reading his obituary it quickly became apparent what a wonderful guy he was! Sometimes the highest compliment we can give is to say I wish I had known him! He sounded like a man who made a difference in life, and not everyone can say that at the end of it all. You were blessed to have had him in your life.
Brigitt Caito, Chaplain
Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter NSDAR
Gretchen McGill says
I’m so sorry I didn’t get to know Mick because these anecdotes show such an amazing personality. What I do know about Mick was that he was treasured and loved. May his loved ones find comfort in all of these wonderful memories.
Lorrie and Donna Shumar says
Pat, so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You clearly have an abundance of happy memories that we hope will help sustain you. Please let us know if we may be of any help to you.
Mike Daggett says
This is the Mick I knew! He truly was a great guy! He will surely be missed. Thank you Mick for all you’ve done for your country and fellow man! Godspeed Hero!
Carl Lowry says
Pat,
In your time of sorrow I hope you can remember all the good times you and Mike had together. I didn’t know Mick very
well but I always enjoyed our talks and hearing him talk about your travels. I was surprised when I saw the photo of him
as a young man. Reminded me of how youthful we all used to look. We are the lucky ones who managed to hang in there
for many, many years. I will miss him.
Mike Hirschauer says
Pat
Sue and I are very sorry for the loss of a great American and soldier. As we reflect on the loss of Mick we send to you our prayer to you and the family. Mick was a great person, he also was a great person to have known and work with for several years. Rest in peace Mick. Pat we are sorry that we will not be able to attend the services for we are in FL for the winter but you will be in our thoughts and prayers to you.
Christine Cochran says
I feel as if I knew Mick after reading the loving tribute, but sadly, I did not. I do, however, know and love Megan and Dan. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so incredibly sorry. I hope the sadness fades and the memories of smiling Irish eyes remain. You and all the people touched by Mick are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barry and Kay Hunteman says
Pat,
What a wonderful tribute to Mick! Kay and I share our profound sympathy to you and your family as you mourn his loss. We pray God’s peace and blessing sustain you and your family in the days to come.
Diane Dimpfl says
Dear Pat,
This is a beautiful tribute to your husband. I am so happy I witnessed going to IRT and Columbia Club with you two as well as enjoying seeing you two glide across the dance floor. Your love for each other showed in everything you did and will be treasured forever by all who knew you as a couple. I am sorry you have to join this club of widowhood, but you are strong and will survive with God holding your hand. My prayers are for you and your family.
Linda Buzinec says
Very nice tribute to your husband. I just want to extend my sympathy to you and Micks family. My family new the Pillars from Hobart and I was so sorry to hear of your loss.
Linda (Schmelter) Buzinec
Cindy Wenz says
Dear Pat,
My connection to you and Mick is via ballroom dancing, so I loved learning about his accomplishments and many other interests through the tribute here. I am sorry you have lost such a wonderful dance and life partner. May you take comfort in those precious memories of him and your years together.
Cindy Wenz
Christine and Dan says
Patty and family,
Dan and I were very saddened to hear of Mick’s passing. We have many wonderful memories of being included with the Pillar family activities at Mark and Linda’s. It has always been fun to enjoy the whole family. Weddings, going to Washington D.C., much laughter!!, etc.
God’s blessings to your family in the loss of your sweet Mick.
Love, Christine and Dan
linda (smith) hominger says
many of micks classmates (HHS class of 61) loved and enjoyed his performances on and off the field. we enjoyed having him at the class reunions and will forever miss him and his wife at our following reunions. our sympathies go out to his entire family and host of friends..he will always be remembered. RIP Mick!!
Dick and Lindsay Cooley says
Pat, Lindsay and I live in Texas throughout the winter and only recently became aware of Mick’s passing. Reading Mick’s obituary gave us the opportunity to get to know him better and put a smile in our hearts. I first met Mick through “brother” Mark playing golf. Lindsay and I also truly enjoyed sitting with you and Mick at the Folds of Honor banquet in November and sharing breakfast with you the following morning.
We are so sorry for your loss and send our condolences to you and your family.