Carl Pilegard

Carl A. Pilegard, a resident of Fresno, died on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at the age of 93. He was born on February 4, 1915, to Danish immigrants Chris and Marion Pilegard and was raised on the family farm in the Oleander area, near Easton. He was the brother of Edith Jacobsen, who died in 2002, and Ralph Pilegard, an U.S. Air Force pilot who was killed during World War II. Carl attended Washington Colony School and in 1932, graduated from Washington Union High School, where he was Senior Class President. After working a year for an uncle, Carl started his own business in 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression. With $100 borrowed from his brother-in-law, Gilbert Jacobsen, Carl purchased a 1917 Model T truck, which he drove around the countryside selling feed to small farmers and purchasing their eggs. He had no money to pay for these eggs, but many farmers recognized Carl's honest character and abilities at his young age, and allowed Carl to pay for the eggs after he resold them. His entire life Carl remained extremely grateful to the farmers who trusted him during those hard times. In 1936, Carl partnered with Olaf Jensen and opened a feed store in Fowler, which they named Jensen & Pilegard. In 1937, the store moved to Fresno, and in 1942, Carl purchased Olaf Jensen's interest and thereafter operated as a sole proprietor. With a rare outgoing personality and true business ability, Carl grew Jensen & Pilegard to eventually include an automated feed milling operation, four farm and garden equipment stores, an egg layer and distribution division, a farm chemical operation, and turkey and chicken growing farms. He always acknowledged that he could not have done this without the help of great employees and many others. In 1945, Carl married Johanna Kirk, after courting her for several years. Carl and Jo had two sons, Cris in 1950, and Donald in 1953, and six grandchildren. Carl's wife, Jo passed away in 1999; and a grandson, Benjamin, died in 1986. Carl was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Fresno for over 60 years, and before that was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Easton. Carl was a charter member of the Fresno Optimist Club for over 40 years. He was a founding member of the Fresno County Poultry Forum in the 50s and 60s, and served as an officer of that organization. He was well respected in the poultry industry, and was one of the early turkey growers in the Fresno area. Carl was an avid fisherman, and in his younger days also enjoyed hunting, camping, speed boating and water-skiing In the early 1980s, Carl officially retired and turned over his business to his sons. He remained a valued advisor to his sons and an "ambassador of good will" to employees, customers and suppliers alike. Retirement gave Carl more time to do the things he truly loved: fishing (at least one day a week), and then motor-homing, caravan style, with Jo and so many of their very close friends. Carl and Jo also traveled, by air or by land, to many places in the U.S. and around the world, also with their great friends. In later years, when the travel and motor home trips ceased, Carl still enjoyed fishing and would fish whenever he was able. He loved visits from his friends and family. He especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. Carl was always interested in their pursuits and was exceedingly proud of their accomplishments. One of the most valuable pieces of advice Carl offered his children and grandchildren was to work hard, but take some time to "smell the roses." Carl was blessed to be able to follow his own advice. He lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. Carl is survived by son, Cris; and daughter-in-law, Stella, and their children, Cole, Ryan, and Celeste; and by son, Don; and daughter-in-law, Ellen, and their children, Brent and Gregory. Carl was buried Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at a private ceremony. A Memorial Service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 187 North Broadway, Fresno, on Monday, June 30, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be sent to Bethel Lutheran Church. STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL 202 North Teilman Avenue Fresno, Ca. (559)268-9292