John Pieschel
John Joseph “Jack” Pieschel. 09/24/1953 – 04/13/2026. Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, and friend.
Jack was the youngest of five children born to his beloved parents Robert & Rita Pieschel. He grew up on Bonnie Avenue in Affton, attended Seven Holy Founders for grade school, and Bishop DuBourg for high school. He started working at IHOP in his mid-teens and eventually traveled to Milwaukee to attend and complete a months-long program on hotel & restaurant management. He met his wonderful wife in 1974 (he was her boss; she couldn’t stand him!). She apparently got past her dislike of him because they wed the following year and celebrated 50 years of marriage this past November. The rest, as they say, is history.
He worked as a restaurateur; most notably co-establishing Gingham’s (South County) in 1990. For over 20 years, in addition to serving the BEST pancakes around, this restaurant provided a family atmosphere for customers and employees alike; some of them built relationships (including marriage) that last to this day.
After retirement he still enjoyed preparing breakfast for his family and would often call the kids and grandkids to invite them over for pancakes, eggs benedict, or country club omelettes, plus various other goodies.
Jack (Mr. P.) was a lover of music, fishing, barbecue, basketball, softball/baseball, golf, and watching his kids and grandkids play their various sports. He enjoyed coaching his daughters’ softball and basketball teams in their elementary years, as well as some bonus basketball teams at SHF. He dabbled with coaching his oldest grandkids for a few years but really preferred life as a full-time spectator for this generation and would do everything in his power to ensure he was on the sidelines for as many games as possible. He was always their biggest fan!
He enjoyed watching men’s college basketball, particularly Duke and his beloved Billikens – games for which he held season tickets and took the grandkids which inspired their mutual love for Billiken basketball (GO BILLS!).
He is survived by his loving wife Hilda (nee Henke), daughters Julie (Tim) Burke and Jessica (Rob) Slavens, grandchildren Kaitlyn (Seth) Wolfmeyer, Kody (Maddy) Burke, Connor Burke, Rainey Slavens, and Brady Slavens, great-grandson Wyatt Wolfmeyer, and bonus daughter Michelle Sciuto (nee Mobley). Surviving siblings include Steve (Bridget) Pieschel, Don (Jeri) Pieschel, Sue (Bob) Kirk, and Judy (Steve Porcella) Pieschel.
A memorial mass is being planned for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Seven Holy Founders Church in Affton, MO. Mass will be at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life.
Jack meant a lot, to a lot of people. I count myself lucky to be in that group. He will be truly missed. Thinking of Hilda and the family today. May you find comfort now that Jack is at peace.
Suddenly I’m short of words as this loss hits deep. You’re golden, Mr. P. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the entire Pieschel family and all who loved and cherished Jack P.
To the family, yes gighams was very much a family! Your husband and dad made every feel like he was there just so your family could have a nice meal together. After years of going there you did know all of the people working there. He had the right crew working at all times. Even our son Andrew worked there for awhile. When my husband Gary”Mac” got sick with alzheimers,members of St. Beranette had a fund raising event for us and Jack made all the food for us,a very kind caring man,loving person. He is in heaven with his parents,Doris and other gighams regular cooking breakfast for them all! God bless you all! We will be there Saturday to celebrate his life! Mary,Gary”Mac”and Andrew Boerschig
Oh what wonderful memories we have! I first met Jack in school at Seven Holy Founders. A group of girls & guys hung around together outside of school. On one snowy afternoon when school was canceled we all gathered at Jack’s home. After having a fun snowball fight I removed my gloves and immediately saw I lost Jack’s ID ring that he gave me to wear. Going steady at such a young age! We all searched in the snow but the ring was never found.
Years later our paths crossed again at Seven Holy Founders. Jim & I have sons the same ages as Julie and Jessica. Since Hilda and Jack both worked at the restaurant, they were in need of someone to watch the girls after school. I had that pleasure.
One morning, Jim and I were at the restaurant and ordered eggs Benedict. I remember telling Jack how delicious it was. He eas so kind divulging the secret to me of their delicious hollandaise sauce, “Knorr Swiss”. I’ve shared that secret with many over the years.
Dear God, comfort Jack’s family as they mourn his passing. May they turn to all the wonderful memories they have.
God Bless, Judy & Jim Wanko
Steve and I are so sorry to hear about Jack. He was such a great guy!! We loved Gingham’s and had many breakfasts there!! We pray you and your family find strength during this sad time.🙏❤️
Jack was my baby brother. Obviously I have too many wonderful stories to tell. In my world he was a great guy, dad, grandpa, member of society, and devoted man.
He is greatly missed. RIP Brother.
Sue
Dear Hilda and the Pieschel Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. He was not just a friend, but one of my closest companions from our grade school days—someone I shared some truly special memories with.
Jack and I spent many days together riding the Redbird Express heading to Cardinals games. We especially loved the doubleheaders—getting there early, making a beeline for the bleachers, and claiming that first row like it was ours alone. Those were simple, joyful times, and I’ll always treasure them.
Our paths crossed again later in life in a way that meant more to me than I can fully express. After my long hospitalization, Jack’s generous contribution to a fund for me truly touched my heart—it brought a tear to my eye then, just as the news of his passing has now. When I recovered, I made sure to stop by and thank him in person. I’m so grateful I had that chance, even though I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d see him.
I still think of Jack often, especially when I drive down Bonnie and pass by his home. His kindness, his friendship, and those memories we shared have stayed with me through the years.
As I write this, the Cardinals are winning in Houston—7–3. I can’t help but smile and think of Jack. It feels fitting.
Rest in peace, my friend. Go Cards.
With heartfelt sympathy Dan Fitzgerald
Jack was a friend, neighbor, fellow coach and golf traveler. I want to Thank Hilda and Jack for all the catering you all did for me an my family. We had a lot of good times and memories. Jack would do anything for you. My deepest sympathy to the family.