Fay C Philibeck

Fay Claire Philibeck, 90, of Menominee passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and their spouses at her home on May 4, 2025. She was the second child born to Joseph "Clem" and Lucille (Osier) Tremblay on October 5, 1934.
Fay graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in 1953. She married Gordon "Gordie" Philibeck on January 14, 1954, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marinette. Fay was a dedicated and loving wife to Gordon for over 61 years until his death in 2015. She was the heart of the home and family to six children, 18 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, and countless kids who are now grown adults that she took under her wing when they needed direction and guidance. Fay's passion and gift in life was cooking and sharing a homecooked meal with her family and anyone who showed up at her door. Her cooking was truly a labor of love and enjoyed by many up until the week before her death. She was known for her apple pies, waffles and bacon, homemade rolls, pigs in a blanket, sauerkraut, pork and noodles, and St. Patrick's Day feast to name a few. She hosted her very last Thanksgiving Dinner in 2024 at the age of 90 where she cooked and served 51 people in her home where she lived independently until the time of her death. She also enjoyed shopping at St. Vinny's and Goodwill and occasionally going to the casino to play the slots.
Gordon and Fay were named Michigan's Outstanding Young Dairy Couple in 1969. She was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and authored a book about her life at the age of 87, titled Fay's Stories. She raised her children and guided them in their faith to know and love God. Growing up on a dairy farm taught them hard work, love and generosity. She was most proud of being a wife, mom, grandma, and granny-the-great. She loved using her cellphone to send and receive texts, selfies, and photos to her children and grandchildren to keep up with their busy lives and share her wisdom. She was the heart and soul of our family and will be dearly missed.
Fay is survived by her loving children: Terry (Katie) Philibeck of Howell, MI, Kurt Koenig, spouse of the late Linda of Mukwonago, WI, Neal (Linda) Philibeck of Wallace, MI, Lisa (Bart) Francour of Sobieski, WI, Alan (Michelle) Philibeck of Wallace, MI, and Lori (Andy) Dominiak of Oconomowoc, WI; grandchildren: Thomas (Katie) Philibeck, Stefanie (Clay) Woll, Kami (Shawn) Strunsee, Kari (Matt) Niepow, Kyla Philibeck, Sara (Kurt) Kupcho, Matthew (Amy) Philibeck, Colten (Jessica) Philibeck, Taylor (Noah) Tingley, Beth (Weston) Spiering, Bree (Ryan) Meisinger, Blair (Michael II) Keenan, Adam (Danielle) Philibeck, Andrew (Rachel) Philibeck, Evan (Kasie) Philibeck, Logan (Amanda) Zagrodnik, Austin (Ana) Zagrodnik, and Bailey (Andrew) Zagrodnik; great-grandchildren: Savannah, Heidi, Lincoln, Halle, Hayden, Mia, Madelyn, Max, Nolan, Joyce, Poppy, Florence, Liam, Noah, Luke, Grace, Madelynn, Michael III, Sonny, Monty, Graham, Robert, Anthony, and Harley; step grandchildren: April (Adam) Starzynski, Matthew (Olivia) Lund, Madison and Samantha Dominiak and Dillon (Melissa) Matthews; sisters Jacqueline Reidinger, Mary Lou (Gerald) Roeder, and brother Dean (Sue) Tremblay; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; daughter, Linda Koenig; both parents, Joseph "Clem" and Lucille Tremblay; in-laws John and Gertrude Philibeck; brothers-in-law Millard, Alton and John Philibeck, and Henry Reidinger.
Friends may call at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Birch Creek, MI, on Friday, May 9th from 9:30 am to 11 am. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am with Reverend Paul Koenig officiating.
Matthew 14:19 - "Jesus showed us the importance of sharing food."