Obituary of William George Pezold

William “Bill” George Pezold was born on December 10, 1938, to Fred William and Celine Adele (Aubuchon) Pezold. Bill grew up in Jennings, Missouri on the family farm where his legendary work ethic was established. At the age of 16, Bill became active in the local stock car racing circuit and earned the nickname “The White Knight” due to his all-white racing attire. Shortly after graduating from Jennings High School, Bill worked in a grocery store where he met and fell in love with Sandi Santiago. They were married in 1960. Two years later, Bill was drafted into the US Army and served as a Staff Sergeant in the 5th Infantry Division as an Intelligence Specialist. While stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, Bill and Sandi welcomed their first daughter, Katherine Ann, in 1962. After returning to St. Louis, their second daughter, Susan Marie, was born in 1966. Bill had a soft spot for his daughters and went to great lengths to provide an adventurous and unforgettable childhood for them. Weekend camping and performing in water ski shows at Gillespie Lake, as well as raising and showing horses are just a few of the special memories that will remain with them forever. Always wanting to provide for his family, Bill pursued the trade of farrier while his girls would tag along to stoke the forge and spend time with their dad. Bill and Sandi sought a quieter life and moved to Elsberry, Missouri in 1976, where the family raised feeder hogs. Not one to remain idle for long, after retirement in 1997 from Sears, Roebuck, & Co., Bill started Earth Energy Solutions, a cellulose insulation business, alongside his son-in-law, Alan Lagemann. Bill’s employees were never given “tasks,” but rather offered “opportunities.” He proudly served and mentored as a volunteer firefighter in Elsberry for 22 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW. Bill will be lovingly remembered for his quest to fill his deep-freeze full of bargain ice cream, bringing the magic of Santa Claus to generations of children, and his love of telling a good story. With his family by his side, Bill, age 85, passed peacefully in his home on December 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Celine Pezold, brothers: Lenny, David, and Mark Pezold, sister Shirley Siebels, brothers-in-law: George Siebels and Stephen Livingston, sister-in-law Sarah Pezold, and Uncle Pierre. Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandi, daughters: Kathi Lagemann (Alan Lagemann) of Elsberry and Susan Fehlig of Leawood, Kansas; six grandchildren Matthew (Carol) Lagemann of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Kelsi (Chris) Conner of Elsberry, Brennan (Mikal) Lagemann of Elsberry, Hillari (Brant) Heitgerd of Elsberry, Louis (Devon) Fehlig of Denver, Colorado, and Ellie Fehlig of Leawood; and eight great-grandchildren, Easton, Azlyn, Emeri, Boone, Parker, Vera, Kevin, and Beckett. He is also survived by his three brothers: Jack (JoRhee), Tom (Deborah), and Ralph (Nancy) Pezold, sister Celine Livingston, sisters-in-law: Loretta and Kathy Pezold, and close family friend George Nieters. Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsberry on Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Serving as pallbearers: Alan Lagemann, Matt Lagemann, Brennan Lagemann, Louis Fehlig, Chris Conner, Brant Heitgerd, George Nieters, and Easton Conner. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery near Elsberry. In honor of Bill’s generosity toward those in need, memorials can be made to The Bill Pezold Acts of Kindness fund, in care of Carter Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. 5th St., Elsberry, MO, or be taken directly to Peoples Bank and Trust. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the exceptional nurses, doctors, and staff at John Cochran Veterans Hospital and Heartland Hospice.