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Klaus Peter “Pete” Bily, 70, of Freeburg, IL, born October 23, 1947 in Salzburg, Austria passed away Monday, December 11, 2017.
On February 2, 1950 at the age of 2, Pete immigrated to the US from Austria with his father (Ukrainian by birth), mother, and 10 month old sister. His parents always celebrated February 2nd because it was the beginning of a new life after living through World War 2.
Pete was a musician, first and foremost, with a deep passion for his calling. He started trumpet lessons with Mr. Turk when he was in 4th grade. Throughout his life, he continued to play the trumpet and sang in various bands: the Downbeats (1966) and the Herde (1967). He also played with the Gary Hall Group, locally and travelling the country. After this, Pete played with Fantasy, Sound Advice, and the Jorrells for the rest of his musical career.
Pete owned the Corner Tavern in Edwardsville, IL from 1968 until the early nineties. During that time, many musicians entertained his customers at the Corner Tavern.
Pete was active in St. Vincent de Paul Church’s music ministry, singing and playing trumpet with the choir. Eventually, he started the Children’s Choir at St. Vincent’s, directing the children for many years, while also participating in the Adult Choir.
Pete was also a music teacher at: Montessori School, Granite City, Sacred Heart teaching music to special education children, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Louis, Mo. Teaching children music and inspiring them to become lifelong musicians was also Pete’s passion. He had many recordings of his work with the children, all amazing productions. He loved teaching and inspiring the children.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Nick and Theresa, nee Aberger Bily. Pete is survived by his daughter Shaunna (John) Wilsky of New Castle, CO, and two grandchildren, Jacob and Addison Wilsky. He is also survived by his two sisters Irene (David) Biver, and Gloria (Bob) Schmidt, nieces and nephews Melissa (Tim) Reinhart, Matthew (Vanessa) Biver, Nick Schmidt, Michael (Colleen) Biver, Michelle Biver, and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 14, 2017 at St. Vincent de Paul, 1408 South 10th Street, St. Louis, Mo 63104. There will be a Funeral Mass after the visitation.
Memorial contributions may be given to Vitas Hospice or to Sister Thea Bowman Music Department.

Thanks: The family of Pete Bily would like to thank Freeburg Care Center and Vitas for the exceptional care that he received. The staff had a wonderful rapport with him. Their dedication to their jobs was remarkable.

Celebration of Life: There will be a Celebration of Life at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the St. Clare School Cafeteria, in O’Fallon, IL. Please join us to remember all the ways Pete made his life stand out and well lived through his devotion to Shaunna and his grandchildren, his faith, his music, his love to entertain, his love for children and spreading his knowledge of music, his love for his friends, his love for his family, his love of life, and his courage.

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