Philip Paul Creten, age 85, of Escanaba, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 18, 2018 with his loving wife by his side.
Philip was born on May 25, 1933 in Gladstone, Michigan at his family home on Minneapolis Avenue by his aunt a midwife. The son of Paul and Lenore (Van Donsel) Creten, Phil cherished family from an early age. He was fortunate to have been raised within a four- block radius alongside his aunts, uncles, and many cousins. All of whom he credited in helping shape his values as a man and providing him with cherished childhood memories, which he often shared with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Philip had a passion and love for athletics and in high school participated in football, track, and basketball. He especially enjoyed being a member of the Gladstone Braves’ Basketball Team under the helm of Coach Cappy Keil. Along with his beloved teammates, the 1950 Gladstone Braves’ Team became district and regional champions . This team was later honored by being inducted into the Gladstone Athletic Hall of Fame. During his four years as a varsity player, Philip with the help from his team was able to score 1,000 points during his high school career.
Philip was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn Johnson on August 20, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Church in Escanaba. For 63 years they enjoyed their life together : going to Packer Games, camping, snowmobiling, traveling, and attending all of their grandchildren’s sporting events as avid fans. Most cherished were the quiet moments of shared conversations with his children on his life, his expertise on cars and appliances according to the Consumer’s Report, and how proud he was of his family his most valued possession.
He worked for 30 years at Harnischfeger Corporation until it closed; and finished his career at Northern Rebuilders for another 10 years until his retirement in the early 1980’s.
Philip is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Escanaba, brothers: Michael (Joyce) Creten Gladstone, Daniel (Kathy) Creten Escanaba, children: Mark Creten his son, daughters Tracy (Steve) Erickson, and Cyndi (Steve) Fisher all of Escanaba. Grandchildren: Philip (Shana) Fisher De Pere, WI, Christa (Greg) Haslow Escanaba, Mallery (Aaron) Short, Escanaba, Garrick (Lauren) Fisher De Pere, WI, and Dr. Thomas (Jessica) Erickson Erie, PA. Blessed with great grandchildren who will miss Papa Phil are : Bayli, Landan, Ledger, Liam, Emelia, Emmit, Lennon and Samantha Grace.
As requested by Philip, there will be no viewing or services for the public. A private ceremony will take place at Lakeview Cemetery at the discretion of the family. Philip’s wishes for close friends and extended family is to visit Marilyn and the family and share memories of the past. Recall the good times, and have Catholic Masses said throughout the year in his memory.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness for the compassionate care given to their father by the following: O.S.F. (Bellin) Cancer Unit, staff, nurses and a special thanks to Darcy Getzloff PA, Dr. Mary Myrick, O.S.F. Medical Group, staff and nurses, Dr. John Klim O.S. F. Otolaryngology, staff and nurses, Hospice (Nurse Racheal). You all made dad’s last days tolerable, hopeful, and gave us more time to enjoy life with our father. “A life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Thanks Dad….you taught us well…
The Creten family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.
Jackie Kidd Moore - Davisburg, MI
Marilyn, Cindy, Mark, Tracy….I am heart broken at your loss of Phil. What a great man! I have always cherished the Creten friendship.
May you be comforted and smile in the memories, and all the years you were blessed to have him. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Barb Noblet - Escanaba, Mi
I was so saddened to of your lose. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Todd O Gartland - Escanaba, MI
With deepest sympathy to the families of Phil Creten from the staff at the Carpet and Drapery Shoppe .Love and prayers to all of you at this difficult time. Todd, Beth, Patrick and Michael.
Scott L - Escanaba, Mi
I’ll always remember the tall guy that never showed his frustration as I asked him time and again if he had read this book or that book, and that somehow he always made me feel like I mattered. Thoughts and prayers to Marilyn and Mark and Tracy and Cyndi, you all did such a good job making us feel welcome whenever we were around. As the years went by and I became a husband and dad i often thought of the Creten family kindness and tried to make that a part of my own family’s routine.
Mary C. Gierke - Escanaba, Mi
Marilyn, Cindy, Mark and Tracy, you have my heart felt condolences on the passing away of your husband/ dad. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him or Marilyn, but from the pictures of the family Tracy has up in her office at the EUE, I can see he and Marilyn were family oriented and liked to have fun with the children. I know Cindy and Tracy from having been a substitute teacher for them. From the care Tracy has shown for her dad throughout his illness and the way she is kind to those who work with her, I agree, he and Marilyn taught their children well on how to treat others. I will be keeping the family in thought and prayer.
Debra Osier - Escanaba, MI
My sympathies to you all! How so very lucky you were to have him so long! Much love to you all!
Heidi Gartland - ESCANABA, MI
The Peterson family extends its condolences to the Creten family. I am sorry for your loss and know “they” were all there to welcome Phil on the other side.
You are all in our thoughts.
Mary & Paul Kangas - Escanaba, Mi
Marilyn and family you are in our prayers at this difficult time. Phil was a great guy and always had that big smile.
Gary Brown - Escanaba, MI
My sympathies are with you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Phil at Northern Rebuilders and the two things I remember the most is that Phil the foreman always had a smile on his face and second he always had a way to kind of make piece with the employees when the other foreman’s would chew us out. Phil was a great guy and I know he will be missed.
Carol Christensen Stephens - Apollo Beach, FL
To Marilyn, Steve (classmate) and family – I would like to send my sincere sympathy on hearing of Phil’s passing on. I remember his smile. He was a friend of my Dad’s (Art Christensen) as they both worked at Harnischfeger many years. I hope your wonderful memories of him help you through this time.
Jerome J. Norick - Duluth, MN
Growing up with Phil as a youngster, just a few homes away, was a pleasure knowing him. Many days of playing sandlot basketball
brings back so many good memories. My prayers and good wishes are with Phils family.