On November 1, 2022, Philip passed away quietly in his sleep at the age of 95. Philip was born to the late Matt and Edith (Boutelle) Van De Bogert on May 14th, 1927. He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings (Allan, Kenneth, Martha, Laurence) and his wife of 65 years, Donna (Bell). His is survived by his daughters Diane (Patrick) Wood and Loreen Mueller and his five grandchildren Ryan, Karl, Elizabeth, Emily, and Michael. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and nieces and nephews.
Philip served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was mainly stationed in Germany as a military policeman guarding railway yards at the end of the war. He often spoke of how he enjoyed his time in the service, the friends he made and the places he visited.
After his honorable discharge Philip used the GI Bill to attend Central Teachers College (now UW-Stevens Point) and graduated with a B.S. degree in Natural Resources in 1953.
As a student in Stevens Point he met his future wife Donna Bell. A favorite story of his was how they met. Donna asked him if he’d dance with her, and he replied, “I don’t dance but I’ll give you a hard time.” In spite of that opening line they were married in 1949, and they were devoted to each other for 65 years. Philip was especially caring in Donna’s last few years when her health declined.
After graduation from college Philip and Donna returned to his hometown Delavan and went into the family building trades business and became a journeyman lather. He was very proud of the work he did during the next 40 years and when driving around southeastern Wisconsin would point out the different buildings he had worked on -- mainly hospitals, churches, and university buildings.
All through his life Philip enjoyed hiking, camping, gardening, fishing, and traveling. He was an avid reader and liked anything about aircraft and space. He especially loved spending time with his family and taught his grandchildren to love nature and fish.
A private burial is planned for Philip. A memorial will be held next spring.
The family would like to thank his Aurora-At-Home hospice team for their compassionate care as well as the wonderful nursing staff at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa.
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