Gustave "Gus" Charles Pflugmacher, III

He was the son of Gustave II and Eugenia Pflugmacher, and was raised in Belleville, IL. As a young boy, they called him Buddy. At that age, they could already tell he was going to be a great athlete and entertainer.

Gus graduated from Belleville Cathedral High School. He received a full ride at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, with a basketball and music scholarship. Gus graduated from the accounting program and received several professional basketball offers. He was married to Sharon Lynn Erb and chose to accept a position at Price Waterhouse and moved back to Belleville, IL. He was later inducted into the St. Mary’s University Hall of Fame for basketball. Gus then accepted a position with the State of Illinois Treasurer’s Office and moved to Springfield. This started his career in state government and he retired after 30 years of service. He started a private tax practice in 1960. Gus was a man for all seasons. He had tax season; he played fast pitch for Quality Furniture; played basketball for Lincoln Cab; and later played golf year-round. Gus lived on Lake Springfield and loved to boat and ski. He belonged to the Springfield Ski and Boat Club, where he was an active member and coached his wife and daughter on the women’s softball team. He was a democratic Precinct Committee man. Gus was a member of the Elk’s Club and Springfield Motor Boat Club. For many years, he managed the Salt and Pepper band that has entertained many people in Sangamon County through weddings, fundraisers, and at the Illinois State Fair. He was a great saxophone player and singer. Gus played in the big band, jazz band, pep band and the UIS band during basketball games. He was a member of Church of the Little Flower and loved being part of the choir and singing at funerals. He loved being with family and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. There was always a large presence when Gus walked into the room at 6’4” with those blue eyes, smile, and charisma. Also, let’s not forget all his quotes and jokes.

He married Janice Spears in October of 2007. They spent a lot of time supporting the University of Illinois athletic program and providing two scholarships for young athletes. They enjoyed boating, sitting on the deck, watching the lake, golfing, and attending family functions.

Gus was proceeded in death by his first wife, Sharon Lynn Erb; parents, Gus II and Jean Pflugmacher; brother, Wayne Pflugmacher; sister, Jean Lanter; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his second wife, Janice Spears; daughter, Michelle (Larry) Sergent of Springfield; sons, Gustave IV “Chuck” of St. Louis, MO and Scott of Auburn; grandchildren, Mike (Danielle) Pflugmacher, Breanne Sergent, Jarrod (Chelsea) Sergent, Sam Sergent, Chloe Pflugmacher, and Shelby, Aidan, and Ronan Pflugmacher; and great-grandchildren, Leightyn, Grayson, Brenlynn, Jaxson, Owen, and Noah.

Gus was a huge spotlight on life and he lived his life to the fullest. That light has dimmed but we have all been shined upon during his life. God has received a great man. His daughter will carry on the Pflugmacher & Sergent Tax practice.

Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, followed by Mass at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Allen M. Kemme officiating.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL, 62703.