1943 ~ 2024
LAKE LEELANAU – Philip Willard Egeler, 81, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024 at home with his family at his side.
Philip was born June 13, 1943 in Detroit the son of Willard and Doris (Wichern) Egeler. On June 22, 1962 at the Immanual Lutheran Church of Leland he married Dorothy (Clark) Egeler who survives. Phil and Dorothy met in the 11th grade at Suttons Bay Schools and after Dorothy’s graduation they were married.
Phil worked his entire life and never really retired. He worked his father’s family farm in his youth, left school after the 11th grade to work and continued to work into his golden years. He spent 43 years working for the Leelanau County Road Commission and for 40 years ran Phil’s Cottage Care tending to area summer homes.
Phil’s life was built on a bedrock of faith, family and hard work. Dad was a blessing to his children and family.
Philip is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy; his two children, Willard “Billy” (Debbie) Egeler, Susan (Brian) Kurth; two siblings, Sharon (Pete) Stites, Marlene Lehn; his grandchildren, Ryan Egeler, Joseph (Nicole) Kurth, James Kurth, Eli Miller, Zachary Miller; his great grandchildren, Riley, Serenity, Ashton and Levi Kurth, Leo Kurth, Holly Miller and Leydan Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Lori Ann Miller, and a sister. Graveside services and burial were held on Monday, October 28th in St. Michael’s Cemetery of Suttons Bay. Father Michael Class officiated.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
