Timothy Joseph Planz

Timothy Joseph Planz, of Staunton, Illinois, passed away at the age of 65 on Monday, April 5, 2021 at his residence surrounded by the friends and family he loved. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marilyn (Fowler), his sisters, Patricia Butler (Paul) and Kathleen Patterson (Michael), his daughter, Teresa Hall (Jon) and his stepson, Dan Kelley, a niece, Kim Rost (Cordy), grandsons Steven and Brett Foster, granddaughter Jada Foster, and grand niece and nephews, Zoey, Cole and Ronin. He is preceded in death by his parents and a niece. He was born in Queens, New York on December 31, 1955 to Tim and Anna (Castelli) Planz.

As a young child, the family moved to Thousand Oaks, California, and later to Canoga Park, California, where he graduated high school. Upon joining the Army in 1973, he served for 2 ½ years as a Chemical Staff Specialist at Fort Bliss, Texas. After receiving an honorable discharge, he made good use of his passion for cars and opened his own automotive shop in Simi Valley, California. He eventually changed careers into the transportation industry and obtained his commercial drivers license. It was then he met Marilyn, the love of his life. Working for various trucking companies, they drove together traveling extensively across the country for 20 years until they retired. His love of everything automotive never wavered. His favorite pastime was reading his automotive magazines while watching car shows on television. 

Greater than his love of cars, however, was his love of family. His most tremendous joy was cooking for and hosting huge gatherings for his loved ones. His cooking was renowned throughout his neighborhood; he would prepare enough food for the entire block and then go around and deliver it. He was well known for his generosity and kindness. Tim was a good man who always spoke the truth, whether or not you wanted to hear it. He loved his family fiercely and was ever loyal to his friends. 

There will be a private family gathering to honor his life. He is deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

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