Ronald Stanley Pestka

Ronald S. Pestka, Sr. passed in peace on Nov 6th, 2021 at the age of 79 with the love of his life, Judith, by his side. He was a loving father to Michelle (Ron) Kaufmann, Ronald (Tracy) Pestka, Jr., and Jennifer (Kenneth) DeVosha. Proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Nicholas (Emily) Pestka, Tyler Kaufmann, Abigail (Michael) Gebhardt, Trevor Kaufmann, Paige DeVosha and Faith DeVosha, and two great-grandchildren, Theodore Gebhardt and Jackson Pestka.

Just after graduating Saint Mary’s high school (Go Dragons!), Ron enlisted in the Army Reserves. He found his niche when he began his 35-year career with Edison Brothers, Inc. Ron worked his way up the ladder and became Senior Vice President of the company in 1977. His time there afforded him the opportunity to travel both domestically and abroad. Reminiscing about these memories with family and friends was a treasured pastime.

After receiving his first donated kidney in 1995, Ron was able to touch many lives of those who were still awaiting their turn at the chance. He volunteered his time at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with the renal transplant team, educating those on what the experience would entail. He also served as President of the Barnes-Jewish Auxiliary and was founder of the Kidney Transplant Dental Fund which allowed those without means the ability to move forward in their transplant journey.

While business and education were Ron’s focus for many years, he kept his family at the forefront of all his endeavors. Ron enjoyed collecting snowmen and Anheuser-Busch memorabilia, as well as simply spending time together. Whether at Sunday dinner or on a family trip, it was not uncommon to find him playing on the floor with one of his grandchildren. His silly comments and gestures to simply capture a smile will never be forgotten. Ron helped and guided unconditionally and celebrated even the smallest successes. He was the definition of a family man.

Ron will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all of those that knew him. Memorial to be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 1-4pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary 6464 Chippewa St., Saint Louis, MO 63109. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.