Jean Anthony Phillip Obituary
Jean Anthony Phillip, aged 93, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Samaritan in West Bend. He was born on October 27, 1931, in Milwaukee, WI, to Elmer and Lorraine (nee Weis) Phillip. Jean graduated from Pulaski High School in 1945 and attended Spencerian Business College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. While in school, he worked for his grandfather’s grocery store and acquired his skill as a butcher, (which came in handy decades later in life, during his family’s successful hunting trips). He spent three years working at Milwaukee Transport Corp, where he met the love of his life, Marceline “Pat” Knuth. The two were married on March 1, 1952, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.
The couple briefly lived in California while Jean served in the US Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict. After the war, they chose to return to Milwaukee to be closer to their families and begin their own legacy. Jean began his career as a salesman at Wisconsin Liquor Company and continued there until August 1959, when he joined Edison Liquor Corp, and remained until his retirement in April 1999. They moved to West Bend in 1976, transforming their weekend getaway into their permanent home.
A self-taught musician, he played the piano, concertina, and accordion during family gatherings, the atmosphere would come alive with singing and laughter. He loved late-night card games with Pat, especially Gin Rummy and sunset meals on the pontoon boat. Jean looked forward to the annual family hunting trips up north to Price County and the fishing trips to Canada, even if it was to only relax in “HIS” chair, looking at the sunset and watching out for “snow snakes”. Throughout the years, the couple relished many trips that Jean earned by consistently being recognized as the Top Salesperson of the Year. Following Pat's passing in 2016, he made it a point to celebrate every holiday with family, particularly his grandchildren. He always arrived with his “special” double French onion dip and rippled chips for every gathering. He looked forward to spending time with neighbors, particularly Margarita nights on his porch every Tuesday and fish fry Fridays.
Jean was a former member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and a current member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, both located in West Bend. He was also a proud member of the VFW Post 1393 in West Bend.
Jean is survived by his children, Linda (Ken) Prahl of West Bend, James (Ann) Phillip of Aguilar, CO, Thomas (Claudia) Phillip of Oostburg, Carol (Edwin “Buck”) Post of Chester, NJ and Paula (Mark) Weimer of Hartford; 29 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and a cherished sister-in-law; Geraldine “Geri” Beem of Florida. He is further survived by nieces, a nephew, other relatives and friends.
Jean is preceded in death by his loving wife (of 64 yrs), Pat; his parents; his in-laws, Paul & Marie (nee Finger) Knuth; a brother-in-law, Owen Beem and a nephew, Steven Beem.
A Funeral Service will be at 12:00pm on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) with Pastor Jeff Hesse presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, May 1st from 10:00am until 11:45am. Interment will take place at Cedar Creek Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095).
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Gary Herdrich, his dedicated nurses, particularly Jill Dhein, the staff at Samaritan Health and Rehab, Ally Hospice, the Green Lake neighborhood family, and dear friends Jim and DeeDee Wagner. Your care, support, and treasured friendships mean the world to him (and to us).
Phillip Funeral Home is assisting the family. http://www.phillipfuneralhome.com
