Samuel A. Roniger

Samuel Arthur Roniger, age 58, of Alhambra, IL., died Friday, November 6, 2009, at his residence in Alhambra, IL. He was born February 24, 1951, in Highland, IL., the son of Raymond Ralph and Marjorie Anna (Landolt) Roniger. On May 13, 2000, he married Rita M. Roniger nee Horstmeyer , who survives. Sam was born at Highland, IL; graduated from Highland High School in 1969; and, completed Auto Body School at Ranken School of Mechanical Trades in 1973. He had worked at Wick Organ Company (1970-71); Barnes Auto Body (1972-73); Highland Pontiac (l973); and Tri-Ford (1973). In October of 1973 he purchased the Italian Village Pizza Pallor in Highland from Joe Laspesa; in February 1983,with the help of Virgil Schmitt & William Frey, they opened Sam\'s Pizza, Inc. He bought them out after a year and moved to 1110 Washington Street. In February 2004 he moved his business to Greenville, IL. Two and a half years later, he returned to Highland at 425 Broadway. In June of 2008, he sold the business and it reopened at 1017 Broadway. Sam enjoyed life; he enjoyed people; enjoyed making pizza and enjoyed his dog, Buster. He was an avid collector - toys, antiques, movies. Sam really enjoyed being with family and family gatherings. He married Rita Horstmeyer, a classmate that he re-met at their 30th class reunion. She continued to be his care-giver even after their divorce and thru his sickness. He was a member of First Christian Church-Greenville, IL. Survivors include Mother-Marjorie A. Roniger nee Landolt of Grantfork, Ill., Wife-Rita M. Roniger nee Horstmeyer of Alhambra, Ill., Brother-Fred W. (Betsy) Roniger of Albany, Ore., Brother-Thomas R. (Kim) Roniger of Highland, Ill., Nephew-Tad W. (Kari) Roniger of Edwardsville, Ill., Nephew-Joshua K. Roniger of Salem, Ore., Niece-Joy M. (Nate) Prater of Greenville, Ill., Niece-Beth A. (Mark) McCracken of Greenville, Ill., Great Nephew-J.T. Roniger of Hugo, Okla., Great Niece-Lydia Roniger of Edwardsville, Ill., Great Nephew-Kurtis Roniger of Edwardsville, Ill., Great Nephew-Isaiah Roniger of Aumsville, Ore., Great Nephew-Brian Prater of Greenville, Ill., Great Niece-Lily Prater of Greenville, Ill., Great Nephew-Griffin Prater of Greenville, Ill., Great Nephew-Shane McCracken of Greenville, Ill., Great Niece-Ava McCracken of Greenville, Ill., Step Child-Michelle Boyer of Highland, Ill., Step Child-Jennifer Boyer of Alhambra, Ill., Step Grandchild-Jesse D. Boyer of Granite City, Ill. He was preceded in death by Father-Raymond Ralph Roniger [DOD 05/11/2005] Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.