David M. Pilipauskas

David M. Pilipauskas, 68, went home to be with the Lord on September 3, 2024, in Libertyville, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on March 1, 1956, in Evergreen Park, IL to the late Charles Anthony and Laverne Rose (Hajdrowski) Pilipauskas. On October 20, 1979, in Chicago, Dave married the love of his life, Debra Hojnacki.

Dave enjoyed organizing mission trips to help the people of Haiti, eventually bringing his sons. The antics that happened during those trips were to stay in Haiti - with the directive: "Don’t Tell Ma!". For example, Peter drifting down the river, and the requested payment for retrieving him.  He made many friendships during his time in his beloved Haiti. He was a ham radio operator, working with Wil and Peter to acquire their licenses as well.  He loved hiking, jeep off-roading, photography, camping, splashing around in the ocean in Hawaii when the kids were little, fishing, backpacking in the Rocky Mountains, hiking the forest preserves, and enjoying our wildflower garden; anticipating those annual prescribed burns a little too much!  Dave and Peter also enjoyed hunting and scuba diving in Florida. Greg got the bug and also got certified. Dave cherished times spent laughing with friends and our weekly breakfasts at the Lake Villa restaurant with just the two of us or the family and significant others joining. You would often find Dave helping Wil in the barn doing beekeeping jobs after he retired, or making Lithuanian pepto-bismol-looking borscht; which repulsed many, but left more for us ;).  He often puttered in the basement workshop on upgrades for his jeep, working on radios, building irrigated raised garden beds for me, or talking with Greg about various tech or auto projects. He loved his canine companions throughout the years and especially our recent road trip to Virginia to pick up MoJo, our newest pup. Her lovable antics helped bring us a well needed chuckle. MoJo will be good for my soul, and has already licked many a tear. Dave enjoyed participating in iceless hockey, soccer, and other sports with the boys when they were younger. Traditional Friday night pizza and movies with our kids and then our grandchildren Tahti and Tobee- grandma’s nickname is a nod to his beekeeper dad, is a cherished memory. They enjoyed building Legos and coloring as he did with our boys when they were younger. We bought a camper van last August to enjoy as many trips as we were able, as that was a dream we wanted to fulfill. We had many grand adventures and memories, and tried to make the most of every moment. Dave wished he had more moments, but it was not to be. 

Dave is survived by his loving family, his wife of almost 45 years, Debra Pilipauskas; sons, William Pilipauskas (Cassie Coleman), Gregory (Deidra) Pilipauskas, and Peter Pilipauskas (Jamie Moran); grandchildren, Tahtianna and Tobias Pilipauskas; sister, Kathleen Mrumlinski; brothers, Charles (Linda) Pilipauskas and Daniel (Kathy) Pilipauskas, in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

MEMORIAL GATHERING:

Friday, September 27th, 2024

Lake County Forest Preserves

Hastings Lake Shelter A

Signage -Dave’s Memorial

21155 W. Gelden Road

Lake Villa, IL 60046

Visitation 1:00-2:00 PM

Service: 2:15 PM

After the service, please join us at the taco truck to enjoy one of Dave’s favorite foods. 

Please bring chairs or a picnic blanket.

The shelter is only open till sunset.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations may be made to Haiti Pastor Training Mission (HPTM), 25157 Wayside Place, Lake Villa, IL 60046 or Pacific Garden Mission, P.O. Box 7436, Chicago, IL 60680-7436.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. Please sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.