Carl Philips

1927 - 2017

Carl B. Philips, 89, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 in Valparaiso, IN surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Patricia Philips. Carl was born October 21, 1927 in Gary, IN to Blagoy and Angeline Kaczmarek Philips who preceded him in death as did his brother, Philip B. Philips. Carl married Patricia Dethloff, daughter of Amal W. and Mary Dethloff on July 29, 1950. Carl is survived by his wife, Patricia; five children: Will Philips, Julienne (Joseph Jr.) Gee, Bob (Mary Kay) Philips, Suzanne Jamieson (Rod Jamieson), and Douglas Philips (Rachel Minard). Carl's grandchildren include: Marissa (Dan) Kopp and Joseph (Ellie) Gee III, Maggie, Kathryn, and Sam Philips, Sarah and James Jamieson. Carl's great grandchildren include: Charlie and Bennett Kopp, Hannah and Joseph Gee IV. Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Maxine Philips, brother-in-law, Charles Dethloff and multiple cousins, nieces & nephews. Carl enlisted in the United States Army at age 18 and served from 1946 to 1948. He later graduated from Indiana University with a degree in business. Carl and Patricia, together, were natural entrepreneurs, opening many businesses in Valparaiso, IN including: Pelican Service, Philips Ace Hardware, Philips Gift Gallery and Philips Community Storage, and two businesses with his brother and sister-in-law, Philip and Maxine; Philips Furniture & Appliance, and Magnalease. While at a photographer studio picking up his military photos, he noticed a woman's photo hanging next to his. This woman was Patricia Dethloff who became the love of his life. His love for Patricia was immense from the moment he first laid eyes on her and throughout their 67 year marriage. Carl was a proud member of the Valparaiso Kiwanis after joining in 1960 and received the 50 years' service award in October of 2010. He also served as commodore for the Lake Maxinkuckee Yacht Club in 1977. Carl Philips was proud of his heritage, being half Polish and half Macedonian. He liked to believe that his Polish blood made him a lover while his Macedonian blood made him a fighter. He loved to read and write, study history, and spend time with his family. Carl and Patricia enjoyed traveling, sailing, fishing, and camping together. He was a family man who always put others before himself. He was a giver, protector, and provider. While growing up, his father Blagoy used to tell Carl, "You run your life and your business so that you don't have to cross the street for anybody," and that is exactly what Carl went on to do in his life; just one of the many gifts of knowledge his five children will be forever grateful to have inherited. Carl will be missed by his family and those who were fortunate enough to know him. Due to Carl's wishes, service will be private as well as no visitation. In lieu of flowers, Carl would ask that you do something for someone in need. Either family, friend or stranger, find some way to make their lives a little easier. Stand up for someone, show your support, and let them know that you're there for them. Donations in Carl's name would be welcomed to the Valparaiso Kiwanis Foundation for scholarships or the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, Inc., 275 N. York St., Suite 401, Elmhurst, IL 60126-2752, www.myastheniagravis.org 800-888-6208.