Escanaba, MIPhilemon E. Lippens, age 90, passed away early Saturday morning, January 14, 2017, at Christian Park Health Care Facility in Escanaba.
Phil was born in St. Nicholas on March 3, 1926, the son of Adolph and Sibilla (LaFaut) Lippens. He was raised in St. Nicholas and attended the Rock school. Phil was proud to have served in the United States Army during WWII. On February 17, 1945, Phil was wounded in action during the Battle of the Bulge. At that time he was an 18 year old U.S. Army Rifleman and Grenadier with the Army’s 276th Infantry, 70th Division known as the “Trailblazers”. Phil was honorably discharged from the Army in May of 1946. He received medals of commendation which included the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, American Theatre of Operations Ribbon, European Theatre of Operations Ribbon, EAMET Ribbon, Infantryman Marksmanship Badge, Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Ribbon. Following his honorable discharge, Phil returned home to St. Nicholas. He married the former Ruth Posenke and together the couple made their home and raised their five daughters in Cornell. Throughout his life, Phil owned and operated his farm in Cornell. Additionally, he repaired small engines, sold Christmas trees, cut lumber and brush, and worked for the Escanaba Schools. In his later years, on March 25, 2011, Phil was united in marriage to the former Muriel Alfred and together they resided in Menominee and Escanaba. Phil was a member of St. Joseph St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba. He enjoyed socializing, greeting friends and family with a light hearted joke, and was friendly to all. Phil traveled extensively throughout his life and enjoyed being called onto the stage or the front of the bus to tell his stories and jokes. He always had a story to tell. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Phil is survived by his wife Muriel Lippens and former wife and mother of his children, Ruth Lippens:
Daughters: Shirley Lippens of Green Bay, WI
Betty Lynch of Gladstone, MI
Mary (Ken) Simonsen of Perkins, MI
Joyce (Jerry) Destrampe of Gladstone, MI
Jane Hurst of Kerrville, TX
Brothers: Rene, Albert (Judy), Joseph (Joyce) Adolph Jr. (Phyllis) and
John (Laurie) Lippens
Sisters: Mary Geniesse, Irene Barron, Alice Solis, Germain (Dwayne)
Taylor, Bernice (Richard) Caron, Rita (Russell) Taylor and
Barbara (Gary) Sheedlo
He is further survived by 9 Grandchildren, numerous Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Sibilla:
Brother: Ben Lippens
Brothers in law: Edward Solis and Daniel “Copper” Barron Sisters in law: Mary and Lorraine Lippens Sons in law: Tom Lynch and Kirby Hurst
Phil’s family will receive friends on Thursday, from 1:00PM to 4:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visiting hours, at 4:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with the Delta County Veteran’s Council presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 5:00PM on Thursday, at St. Joseph St. Patrick Church in Escanaba, with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Joseph St. Patrick Parish Hall. Phil will be laid to rest in the Riverside Cemetery, in Peshtigo, on Friday at 12:00PM EST. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.