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Philip Edward Wurtzel
Scotts
Age 83, died November 9, 2015 in Kalamazoo. He was born May 2, 1932 in Freeland, MI, the son of Edward and Anna (McInnis) Wurtzel. Phil was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. He was President of Carleton Equipment Company in Kalamazoo. Phil was part of the Michigan's largest Bobcat, Doosan and Kubota dealership with 6 locations and over 100 employees and formerly served on the Bobcat Advisory Council. He was a past president of the Galesburg Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), past president of the Climax-Scotts School Board, member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1616 and member of the American Legion Post #465. Phil enjoyed his winter home in New Port Richey, FL as well as his many trips to Scotland.
He was preceded in death by 8 siblings: Mary Healander, Fred Wurtzel, Alice McRae, Edmund Wurtzel, Arthur Wurtzel, Kathryn Kossak, Donald Wurtzel and Joseph Wurtzel. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Catherine Wurtzel; 5 children: Ann (Shawn) Gloden, Kathryn (Buck) Rauch, Philip (Darcye) Wurtzel, Steve (Angie) Wurtzel and Ryan (Heather) Wurtzel; 11 grandchildren: Courtney, Nicole, Rebecca, Heather, Matthew, Jack, Liam, Maximus, Alexander, Madison and Mackenzie; a great-grandson, Jace; beloved sister, Dorothy Murin; many wonderful nieces and nephews; and longtime business partner and friend, Howard R. Simmons.
Visit with family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Friday from 5-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (800) 822-7594. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 11 AM at St. St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Vicksburg. Burial will follow at Cook Cemetery, Scotts. Please visit Phil's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors or the American Cancer Society. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jim and Lori Stepanski, Dr. Keith Bailey and the West Michigan Cancer staff, Dr. Sarah Hughes and the staff and nurses of Bronson Methodist Hospital-4 West GMU; they would also like to thank all of Phil's friends, employees and customers both past and present for their support throughout his life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Catherine, Steve & Family,
Ron & I just learned of Phil's passing and we send our sincerest sympathies to all of you! Ron served on the school board with Phil and a few other friends, and thoroughly enjoyed partnering with them all! Phil was a good man, and I'm sure has left big holes in your hearts!!! We pray that God fills those holes with wonderful memories and HIS love!
Our deepest sympathies!
Ron & Bev VanDyken
Bev VanDyken
December 2, 2015
To the Wurtzel Family:
I have many fond memories of Phil.
Especially his smile and fine demeanor.
A very fair person in our dealings.
God bless you all and may your emptiness be filled with the love of Jesus. Phil set a standard to go by.
Bob Voetberg (Bobcat Bob)
November 14, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Phils passing. Aunt Katherine you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly and Butch Wurtzel
November 14, 2015
It has been pleasure knowing and working with Phil. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sincerely Terry Derhammer (Derhammer Excavating).
November 13, 2015
My condolences to the Wurtzel family on the loss of Phil.
Rossetta Stermer
November 13, 2015
So sorry of the passing of Phil. He was a wonderful Florida neighbor. He will be missed RIP Phil.
Marcia
Marcia Polancih
November 12, 2015
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY! HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND WILL BE MISSED..
TIM NYCUM
November 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your families at this difficult time.
Kyle, Julia, and Brooklyn Wurtzel
November 12, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Wurtzel family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Phil and Jolene White
November 11, 2015
I'm very sorry for you loss. I only met Phil a couple of times, but like all the Wurtzels, he had a lovely smile and great sense of humor.
Lisa Speck
November 11, 2015
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Chris Mullett
November 11, 2015
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Funeral services provided by:
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes - Kalamazoo6080 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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