Martin L. Pillers

Martin L. Pillers, 90, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

Marty was born on March 19, 1929 to Earl L. and Nin A. (Martin) Pillers in Eldora, Il. The family later moved to Gary, IN., where Marty attended and graduated from Lew Wallace High School. He had an outstanding high school track career and was offered athletic scholarships to run track at several colleges and selected Drake University where he lettered in cross country and track. His graduation from Drake was delayed a year due to service during the Korean outbreak. He received his BA in 1952 and later an MSE from Drake. He taught and coached for 8 years at Conroy, Ia, Monterey and Knox, IN., and was a Guidance Counselor for 35 years at Minburn and Redfield, IA and later a long tenure at North High School in Des Moines.

He met the love of his life, Jean Cunningham, in 1951 and they were married in 1953.
They had no children.

Marty was a long time pilot (he got his pilot’s license before he got his driver’s license), was a member of the Quiet Birdmen-Des Moines Hangar and was active in Aerospace Education serving in leadership and consulting capacities at the state and national levels. He received several awards for his services and contributions to that area. He was a member of the Westgate-Adelphi Masonic Lodge in Windsor Heights and Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity while attending Drake. He was Supervisor of Officials for 13 years at the time of his retirement following the 100th Anniversary of the Relays in 2009. He officiated over 200 national and international football and basketball at the high school and college levels and received a 50 years award from the Iowa High School Athletic Association and awards and recognition for track officiating from USA Track and Field, IA. Assoc. of Track Officials and several officiating organizations.

Marty and Jean had a second home in Jackson, WY., where they spent summers hiking and backpacking the Tetons and Wind River Ranges and also in neighboring Idaho and Montana and skiing in the Tetons and surrounding mountain states during the ski season. Marty was an active golfer and at one time a mountain climber making ascents in the Tetons and Wind River Ranges in Wyoming.

Marty is survived by his wife, Jean; and several cousins in Illinois, Arizona, Florida, and Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held Monday, October 14, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, honorariums may be forwarded to the Animal Rescue League of Polk County. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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