Decatur Herald & Review
Herbert E. Pianka, 91, of Decatur, IL passed away at 8:26 a.m. on Monday (Feb. 7, 2011) in his residence.
Mr. Pianka was born on March 2, 1919 in Decatur, IL, the son of John and Anna (Winter) Pianka . He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII serving with the 44th Signal Company and Infantry in New Guinea, Philippines and Christmas Island. He was a recipient of two Bronze Stars.
He married Helen D. Danner on June 15, 1963. She preceded him in death on May 17, 1998. Herbert worked for the Signal Depot in Decatur, IL and Dayton, OH. He retired from the Defense Logistic Agency in Battle Creek, MI.
He attended Harvest Christian Center in Decatur. Herbert was known as Uncle Herb or Uncle Flint. He attended his first St. Louis Cardinal baseball game and purchased his first computer at the age of 80.
Surviving is his step-daughter: Tresa Sexton; sister: Lenore (Eugene) Salefski of Decatur, IL; step-grandchildren: Charles Sexton, Ronnette Frank, Regina Janes and Delrene Hunter; many step great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews also survive.
Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers: Walter Pianka , Edwin Pianka and sister: Hattie Wise Finney.
Obituary written by family members.