Phillip Dean Kirkdorffer

Phillip Dean Kirkdorffer, age 89 of New Paris, IN, died at 2 am on Thursday morning, June 12, 2025 at Waterford Crossing in Goshen, IN.  Phillip was born on June 16, 1935 in New Paris to Theron and Ethel (Mishler) Kirkdorffer.  He lived his entire life in the New Paris area and on September 15, 1954, Phil married Shirley Beehler in New Paris.  Phil was a farmer and enjoyed his time on the farm.  He was also the owner/operator of Kirkdorffer Sand and Gravel in Milford, IN.  He was a lifetime member of the Union Center Church of the Brethren.  When he was younger, Phil enjoyed church softball and tractor pulling.  He was a sports fan and enjoyed Notre Dame Football. Phil was an avid reader and could often be found with a good book. He also loved his dogs; he was always fond of his “best friends.”  For 13 winters, Phil and Shirley wintered in Sebring, FL and Phil loved their winters in Florida. Above all else, Phil was a devoted husband and loving father.  He especially loved his grand and great-grandchildren; he was their biggest fan.  Phil is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Shirley Kirkdorffer of New Paris; 3 sons: Greg (Lynette) Kirkdorffer of Nappanee, Doug (Bonnie) Kirkdorffer of New Paris and Jeff (Terri) Kirkdorffer of Nappanee; 5 grandchildren: Kristin (Dillon) Whitacre of Leesburg, IN, Chad Kirkdorffer of New Paris, Whitney (Jason) Beer of Nappanee, Heidi (Matt) Hoffer of Goshen and Kaitlin (Ben) Gilbert of Nappanee; and 11 great grandchildren: Taitum, Marin, Sloane, Amelia, Collins, Henry, Hazel, James, Estelle, Charlie, and Oliver. Phil was preceded in death by his parents.  Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to an 11 am funeral on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Union Center Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow in Union Center East Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Phil’s name can be given to the Foraker Fire Department.