- Date Of Birth: October 13, 1937
- Date Of Death: October 20, 2017
- State: Illinois
Royce Allen Piefer passed away on the evening of Friday, October 20th, 2017 at home after surviving a two year contest between himself and kidney cancer. He set goals that he wanted to see through, lastly reaching his 80th birthday.
Royce was born on October 13, 1937 in Freeport, IL, to LeRoy and Elizabeth (Morton) Piefer and graduated with the Freeport High School class of 1956.
On July 14, 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Janet (Fritzenmeier) Piefer and have celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Royce had a very strong work ethic, beginning at the age of nine delivering newspapers to earn money for a bicycle. During his high school days he gave up playing sports to work to earn money to help with his own support. Often during their marriage, he worked two jobs to provide for his family. From 1972 to 1985, he and Janet owned a milk hauling business. Then in 1987, they purchased two Service Master business’ in Dixon, Sterling, & Rock Falls and selling them in 2002 to retire.
Oh, how he loved cars, stock car races, and especially his “Corvette’s” with trophy’s lining the shelves in his garage, and of course, playing golf with his “golfing buddies.” Royce & Janet were members of the “Northern Il. Corvette Club” for 20 years.
Survived by as he always said, the love of his life, Janet. His daughter and son-in-law, Leslie (Kelly) Manthei; granddaughter’s, Bridget (Karl) Smith, Abigail (Clay) Lutz, Ellyssa (Seth) Franzen, and grandson, Lincoln Manthei & (Faun); great grandson’s, Cayden Lutz, Ben Franzen, Great-granddaughter, Trinity Lutz, as well as new baby Smith arriving in March; three brothers, Brian, Roger, & Dennis (Bonnie) Piefer as well as nieces and nephews.
Pre-deceased by two beloved daughters, Kellie at two months, and Martie at sixteen years, and his parents, LeRoy & Elizabeth Piefer.
