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Philip Weigel Obituary

PHILIP WEIGEL, 76 FREEPORT - Philip Weigel, 76, passed away at Rockford Memorial Hospital, Saturday, April 12, 2014 following a severe stroke. He was the son of Margaret Pfeiffer and Charles Weigel. Those who knew Phil were fortunate. A lifelong Freeporter, Phil was a man gifted with a thoughtfulness rarely seen, always thinking of his family and friends and offering his quiet assistance without needing to be asked. Phil was a Freeport Firefighter for over 34 years and worked for his friend, Frank Lassandro, on his days off. During retirement he was a bus driver for the Freeport School District and later drove the Liberty Village van. He joined his men friends for coffee at McDonalds almost every weekday and swam at the Lifestyles Fitness Center in the afternoons. Phil and his wife Tait met on a blind date arranged by mutual friends, Shirlee and Roland Munda, 39 yrs. ago on March 15th. They celebrated that date from then on. He and Tait enjoyed collecting antiques, taking day trips, and entertaining family and friends. Phil was not a joiner, but did love belonging to the Highland Area Garden Club, where they made many dear friends. He enjoyed the water and sun in Florida where he and Tait spent time visiting friends in past years. Phil is survived by his wife, Tait; his children, Charles Weigel of Nashville, Tamara Weigel (Bren Stevens) of Charleston WV, William Calkins, and Amy (Britton) Gibson, both of Freeport; and four grandsons, Benjamin and Nicholas Krepshaw, Aaron Calkins, and Maxwell Gibson. He also leaves behind a loving family of siblings; Jim Weigel of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Rosemary (Jack) Harnish of Freeport, Roger (Patty) Weigel of Lakeland, Florida, Tom (Nancy) Weigel of New Lennox, Illinois, Pat Weigel of Freeport; sister in-law, Phyllis Weigel of Freeport, and Suzie (Rick) Witt, also of Freeport. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Larry Weigel. Memorials to Freeport Area Church Cooperative and the Stephenson Country Historical Society. " A Gathering of Family, Friends, and Firemen"; will be held at 11:30 a.m. May 31st at the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Details will be announced at a later date.

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Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Apr. 15 to Apr. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Weigel

32 Entries

Tait Weigel

April 9, 2025

This is now 11 years since Phil died. Though I've adjusted to living alone, a day doesn't go by that I don't recall him and his sense of humor, good nature, and a true family man. We all loved him and as my sister added, he was adorable. I sometimes read the comments here and appreciate all the things written about how you knew him. He would have been touched by all of your memories of him.

Robert Bush

March 29, 2025

Phil was a great man. He treated me as a son. Always sharing his wisdom and guidance and giving me stern warnings. I think of him often even 11 years later
I'm reminded of the wise comments or jokes he would say to me. I worked with him on the Fire Department and he always had my back. Our first connection came on my very first day at the fire department, I was reporting to work that morning, nervous and unsure where I was to park. I slowly pulled in the parking lot in the back of the station, it had snowed the night before and the lot had not been shoveled. When I drove to the entrance of the parking lot I hesitated to look and see where to park and I got stuck. I tried to rock car out of the spot I was in to no avail. I looked in the window there at the fire station and it was full of eyeballs, watching me get stuck deeper, suddenly the back door opened and this one man came out to help me get unstuck, his name was Phillip Wiegel. After getting in the station he assisted me with getting familiar with the station and crew. Since that day we were good friends. I miss his friendship
Robert Bush March 29, 2025

Tammy Krepshaw

April 9, 2022

Dad I miss you every day

Ken & Cindy Waller

April 22, 2014

Tait: Cindy and I send our deepest sympathy. Phil and I worked together for more than 20 years. He truly was a gentle person and a GREAT friend. He will be truly missed.

April 17, 2014

Dear Tait and Family,

I am sorry to hear of Phil's death.
We went all through St. Joe's grade school and Aquin High. What a great
tribute to Phil in his Obituary.
My sympathy also to Pat and Rosemnary.
Sister Leomarie Luecke, OSF (Janet)
Joliet

Susan Bigelow [Kempthorne}

April 17, 2014

Tait and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marilyn (Lassandro) Frederick

April 16, 2014

I'm truly saddened in learning of Phil's passing. He was as kind of a man as could be, with a ready smile and a genuine warmth. A trusted and a true friend to my father, I cherish the many memories of such a wonderful man, as he touched our family in a truly positive way.
Tammy, Chuck, and the entire Weigel family,my sincerest and heartfelt sympathy at this time. Prayers of comfort to you all.

Peg & Ron Halzel

April 16, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Phil's Passing. He will be greatly missed at the pool by many. Over the years we have had many laughs during our visits while we swam. He was a kind hearted, man who cared about everyone. My thoughts and prayers to Tait and the whole Weigel family. A better man you could never be found. Miss you Phil!!!

April 16, 2014

Thank you all for your kind words. I doubt Phil had any idea how many people cared about him. I was fortunate to have him 39yrs.

April 16, 2014

Thank you all for letting me know how special Phil was to you. I can't imagine life without him. He was my life. Tait

Rick Luy

April 16, 2014

Tait, I remember Phil well, he was a good man and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Lexi &Rich Etchberger

April 16, 2014

So sorry for your loss Tait..

Tammy Weigel - Krepshaw

April 15, 2014

I would like to thank everyone for their kind and comforting words about my wonderful father during this difficult time. Your words about his loving ways and sense of humor bring great comfort to our family.

April 15, 2014

My condolences to the Weigel family, especially Chuck.
It has been many years, but memories remain of growing up in Freeport and all of the wonderful families who are dear, old friends.
May perpetual light shine upon Phil, in God's everlasting peace and rest.
May God comfort all who grieve this loss, until there are no more tears and we meet again.
God bless those who read this message!

April 15, 2014

Tait,I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. My sympathy and love to you.
Vera

April 15, 2014

I am so sorry,Tait.May you find comfort, love and strength today and always. love, laurie

Blessings and peace

Karen Livingston

April 15, 2014

There's a Yiddish term for a man like Phil: "mensch." It means a real stand-up guy, a trustworthy person with the qualities anyone would hope for in a friend. Phil was all that, and a family man, and funny, too. I feel blessed that I knew him. Loving thoughts and prayers go to Tait, Bill, Amy, Britton and Max, Pat and the rest of the family.

Michael and Cheri Long

April 15, 2014

A sweeter man there never was than Phil; nor a more loving wife than Tait. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.

April 15, 2014

Pat, so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Your in my prayers.

Marilee & Ted Odendahl

April 15, 2014

I hope they play dominoes, drink coffee and laugh in heaven for Phil will be in his element. We will miss his humour,warmth and friendship... and the gentle banter between you both. Oh he could make me laugh! God's blessings & Peace, Marilee & Ted

Ross Lassandro

April 15, 2014

We were sad to hear of your loss Tait. It was an honor and a privilege to know and work with Phil many years ago. His obituary is correct. He was a friend who worked for and with my father, Frank Lassandro. My father thought of him as family, proud to work with him and with Don Robertson, Don Lenz, Jack Gusloff, Bill Boekholder, Jesse V.. Phil always impressed me as strong but gentle, intelligent and caring. He had a fairness and loving very much like my father. I will miss him and I will never forget him. Our prayers are with you and your family to give you strength during this time.

tom stemm

April 15, 2014

Tait,
When the memories out way the sadness, you know you've had a great relationship with a very caring person. He will surely be missed. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Stemmy

ken howard

April 15, 2014

I am sorry for your lost TaitI do remember working with Phil and it was always a pleasure to go to work when he was there
opie

Denny McAuley

April 15, 2014

My heartfelt thoughts go out to Tait and his family. He was a wonderful man to know and had the honor of working with home for many years. He will be missed.

Mary and Ronald Parkin

April 15, 2014

Phil was a kind and honorable man, who could also be wickedly funny. We will forever love and miss his smile and his friendship. Tait, what a wonderful couple you two were..always and forever in love. Our love and prayers go out to you and Amy and Bill, as you grieve this difficult loss.

April 15, 2014

My sincere sympathy to Tait and Phil's family at this difficult time. It was a privilege to know Phil. His quiet strength lives in our memories.

deanna

April 15, 2014

RIP I grew up knowing you from the age of 5. you will be truly missed.

Susan Cowan Donker

April 15, 2014

Tait - may God grant His peace and comfort to you in this difficult time.

Judy Birdsell

April 15, 2014

Tait, I was so sorry to read of Phil's death. I have so many memories of his and your contributions to the SCHS. He will be missed, but I am sure that you have many wonderful memories.

Ron & Norma Chappell

April 15, 2014

Tate--We will have many memories of Phil to remember both on the fire dept and off. God bless you and your family.

Petrakis Family

April 15, 2014

RIP Phil, you will be greatly missed!!! Such a kind, gentle, loving man....Tait our thoughts, and prayers are with you, and the rest of the family at this difficult time. May you all find peace, and comfort in his memory.

Andy Eberle

April 15, 2014

A wonderful, caring man. A real pleasure to have known him.

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