William "Bill" M. Pistrui, 95, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Maryville, Illinois,
passed away on November 29, 2021, at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, Missouri.
Bill was born July 2, 1926, in Granite City, Illinois, to John and Christine (Argelan)
Pistrui. He served in the United States Army during World War II and received an
American Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, European African Middle
Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Bill graduated from the University of Illinois with a dual degree in Architectural and
Structural Engineering. He served as a partner in his firm at Pistrui, Conrad and Gebauer
for many years. He also held the position of President of the Architecture Department at
Korte Construction Company in Highland, Illinois. Bill was the former President of the
American Institute of Architects St. Louis Chapter and former member of the
Confraternity of Ss Peter and Paul.
Bill was an architect mentor to many, including his students at SIU. He also designed
many local buildings and churches, including the Fontbonne University Library, Red Bud
Hospital, Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church, as well as many other commercial
buildings. He did at least one pro bono project a year to benefit those in need.
He was a devoted husband/father/grandfather to his wife of 73 and a half years, and his
children and grandchildren. Bill loved to read and was a proficient writer with two
published books. He loved traveling and was a devout Catholic. Bill and Noreen were
members of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville, Illinois, for 30
years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Robert McAninch; brother, John
Pistrui; and sister, Jane Nevinger.
Survivors include his loving wife, Noreen Pistrui of St. Louis, Missouri; daughters: Jan
Bowser and Kristi (David) Grabe; grandchildren: Traci Schmidt (Chris Stanley), Andy
(Sydney) Grabe, and Michael Grabe; brother-in-law, Don Nevinger; as well as several
nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
at Herr Funeral Home, 501 W. Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois. A Mass of Christian
Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 200
North Lange Avenue, Maryville, Illinois, with Reverend Robert Johnson officiating. Burial
will follow at St. John Cemetery, Collinsville, Illinois.