Service Information
Philip J. “Sonny” Pilarski, age 92, of Edinburg, Texas, formerly Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 1:00 P.M., at the Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe, with interment in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 P.M., at the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel in Glencoe, and will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Obituary
Philip J. “Sonny” Pilarski was a small-town boy, born during the depression, lifelong educator and coach, history buff, golf fanatic, avid reader, lover of crossword puzzles, husband, father of seven, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.
Born to Theophil and Helen (Jagodzinski) Pilarski, he grew up in Silver Lake, Minnesota, where he was known as “Sonny” and his father had a barber shop on Main St. with living space above. As his mother’s storytelling later would explain, “times were so tough he had a chicken as a pet.” Out of those hard times grew a deep faith, lifelong friendships built playing H.S. football, basketball, and baseball, and an affection for small communities.
Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard stationed near Brownsville, Texas with opportunities to see America’s coastlines. Those life experiences brought him to Winona State Teachers College, where he met his wife, Jackie, on a blind date, and the rest is history. He obtained his degrees in Phy. Ed. and History while at the college. His first teaching and coaching position was in McGrath, Minnesota, and as the family grew, he made subsequent moves to Ashland, Wisconsin, Gila Bend, Arizona, Eyota, Minnesota, all while working toward his Master’s Degree. Final landing spot--Glencoe, near his hometown, as a Middle School Counselor, teacher, and coach until he retired in 1995.
Phil was a dedicated teacher for 37+ years, inspiring countless students with his passion for history and his belief in the power of education. During his career, he coached football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, track, and golf. Outside the classroom, he enjoyed golfing, tending to his garden and roses, and telling stories that could make anyone smile.
During these busy years, he also rejoined the Coast Guard Reserves, which allowed the family to travel for 2 weeks each summer to some of his favorite historic places. He retired at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, always showing his Coast Guard pride through hats, jackets, belt buckles, flags, and bumper stickers!
After Jackie died in 1999, Phil began wintering in Edinburg, Texas, with other “MN snowbirds,” eventually meeting and marrying his second wife, Marina Serna. They spent 20 years splitting their time between their residences in Minnesota and Texas until 2021, when he sold his Glencoe home of 50+ years, moving permanently to Texas. Phil passed away following a one-month fight with cancer.
Philip is survived by his
Wife, Marina, and her family;
Daughters, Marcie Noyes (Russ), Melanie Niehus (Nathan), and Mindy Loge (Brent);
Sons, John Pilarski (Kimberly) and Joe Pilarski (Sandy);
Sister, Mary Wegner (Neil);
10 grandchildren;
3 great-grandchildren;
Nieces, nephews, their children, in-laws, and countless other relatives and friends, who will forever remember Phil’s great laugh, kindness, and gentle wisdom.
Philip was preceded in death by his first wife, Jackie Pilarski; parents, Theophil and Helen Pilarski; brother, Glenn Pilarski (Jean); sister, Sharon Miska (Dale); daughter, Marie Butler (Jeff); son, Jim Pilarski (Denise); and two infant grandchildren.
Hart and Barb Rosebrock says
So very sorry for your loss. He has been a very good winter Texan friend. He will be missed
Angie Wing says
My husband and I have had the honor of knowing him for about eight years here at Valhalla, and in that time he became so much more than just a neighbor. I am especially grateful for the friendship he shared with my dad, Rick. What started as golf buddies turned into a genuine and meaningful friendship that meant so much to both of them—and to all of us.
Phil was a man of strong faith, quiet kindness, and a warm heart. He loved deeply, and it showed in the beautiful relationship he shared with his wife, who cherished him so dearly. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued.
He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the blessing of knowing him, but his memory, his faith, and the love he gave so freely will never be forgotten.
Pam Bluhm Karg says
So sorry for your loss. He was a great counselor at the Glencoe Middle School. He helped ready us for the scarry entrance to high school!
Marcie Pilarski Noyes says
Pam, Marcie here. Thanks so much for your kind words. Two things I remember most about Dad’s office at the Middle School was that the game of Life was always there even though he told us real life was nothing like that and that I had to make certain I was never hauled in to the office down the hall–Mr. Phifer’s office–or Dad would hear about it before I did! Thanks again and please take care.
Sharon (Wolter) Rusley says
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Phil at the Stone Wall Inn ( I was Sharon Albers then). May the memories you made and the memories you shared help you through this most difficult time.
Marie Taylor says
I’m so sorry to hear about Phil’s passing. I always enjoyed talking with him in Texas or occasionally in Mn.
Carl Exsted says
I always respected Mr. Pilarski. I grew up knowing one of his sons, Jim and John and Marcy. I love that family. They’re just gentle wisdom fun to be around and I enjoyed their smiles. I know the daughter Nicole. From my best friend Jim who passed before I could see him at the class reunion I’m sorry for your loss. I’m in Texas now not Minnesota but I miss you all. Take care love to the family sincerely, Carl Exsted.
Marcie Pilarski Noyes says
Hey Carl–Marcie here. Thank you so much for your kind words and memories about our crazy family. We have lost too many–mom, Marie, Jim and now Dad–all to cancer. So while we are a much smaller group, the craziness and Polish loudness hasn’t changed much at all with age. We attribute that to too many of us all trying to get a slice of bread before Jimmy ate it all and then had trouble making weight for wrestling!! Thanks again and take care down there.
Michael Alexander says
Hey Marcie and family, extending our condolences for your loss of dad. He had quite a full meaningful life and you can cherish his memories for ever. He served his country and also the many students. May he rest in peace. God bless! Michael Alexander(the better twin to Mark)!.