Philip Kelly Standerfer

Philip Kelly Standerfer, age 82, of Gladstone, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at his home after a 6 month bought of Alzheimer’s Dementia and other complications.

Phil was born August 29, 1938 to Marshall and Helen Standerfer. He spent his childhood in Mount Morris, Genesee County, in Lower Michigan. He graduated from Mount Morris High School. He enlisted at 23 years old into the United States Army, entry date 1962. His first assignment was at Fort Knox, KY. for 6 months then was transferred to Indiana to finish his obligation of 5 years in the reserves. He was a Marksman (Rifle). He worked 36 years and retired from General Motors, Chevrolet, in Flint, MI. After he retired in 1997 he relocated to the Upper Peninsula to join family and he met his future wife Carline Kujala in 1999 and they were united in marriage September 14, 2001.

Phil was a quiet, gentle, giving, and loving man to anyone who had a need. He was an avid blood donor for many years. He also loved sports, Go Lions! Go Tigers! He loved humor and liked to make people laugh. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, read books and his bible every day. He ran in many races for different causes. Phil was physically fit and active and joined the YMCA. He liked to golf and bowled in a league with his brother and sister, Mike and Kathy. Phil loved dogs, especially his gray and white Schnauzer named Gizmo. His granddaughter Eli calls “the grandpa dog.” They were pals and walked every day. Gizmo and Phil both had white beards and mustaches. Phil and Carline took many trips to Florida in the winter. Phil had many friends there and enjoyed playing golf and Euchre every Thursday.
Phil is a Christian and became a member of New Life Assembly of God in Escanaba, where he was baptized. He was very fond of Pastor Bob Derheim.

In addition to his loving wife of 19 years, Carline, Phil is survived by:
Sister: Kathleen Howard of Gladstone, MI
Brothers: Michael (Nancy) Standerfer of Gladstone, MI
David (Audrey) Standerfer of Soldotna, AK
Stepchildren: Todd Kujala, Angela (Steve) Ives, Holly Kujala, Daniel (Ashley) Kujala.
Grandchildren: Benjamin (Kelsey) Ives, Heather (Jarek) McKinney, Heidi Ives, Hailee (Tyler) Wilkinson, Jordan Ives, Jared Kujala, Jake Kujala, Taylor Brunette, Jacob Plunger, Jayden Lippold, and Riley Kujala.
Great-Grandchildren:Eliana Bovin, Zadie and Zurie Ives, Zaden and Zelek McKinney, Harbor and Marina Wilkinson.
Nieces and Nephews: Bruce (Cheryl) Dykes, Mary (Gary) Oakley, Erik (Alicia) Standerfer, Jeannie (Joe) Heystek, Kelly (Jennifer) Standerfer, Ben and John Standerfer. He also had many Great Nieces and Nephews: Kali and Bryce Dykes, Lindsey, Ian, Alex, and Payton Standerfer, Roman, Kellen, and Quincy Heystek, Reagan and Ezra Standerfer.

Phil was preceded in death by: Parents, Brother-In-Law, Max Howard, and Uncle Erwin Standerfer.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from Noon until 1:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Phil will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery.