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Verkuilen - Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home - Kaukauna

2401 Fieldcrest Drive

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Philip Muth Obituary

Name: Visitation for Philip Muth
Start: 2021-04-17T12:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-04-17T13:00:00.000Z
Location: Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home

Philip Muth

Appleton - Philip J. Muth, 97, passed away on Wednesday, March, 17, 2021. Philip was born on March 17, 1924 to Clarence and Gertude (Strehl) Muth, in LaCrosse. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and went to training to become a navigator, using celestial sextants to fly by the sun and stars. Philip was part of the 451st Bomb Group based in Foggia, Italy. They flew B-24 bombers all over Europe, one time landing in a field to deliver supplies to the French resistance. On October 7, 1944 his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to parachute out at 25,000 feet and only three of the ten crew members survived. Phil was taken prisoner and spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft 3 with a group of English POW's, until he was liberated by General Patton. After the war he returned to La Crosse for college. He married Joan Hyer on August 16, 1947, the girl he met in his freshman English class, and they spent 71 years together until she passed away in 2018. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Australia, New Zealand and Germany. Phil taught Jr high Science in Wisconsin Rapids. He was active in ex-POW and veterans advocacy groups

Phil is survived by his children; Mark (Ellen) Muth, Pam (Jer) Sanderfoot, grandsons; Phil (De Ann) Muth, Matthew Muth, great grandchildren; Carter and Mara Muth, step grandchildren; Lisa Sanderfoot, and Amy (Kevin) Carstens, step great grandchildren Anna and Erik Carstens, brother-in-law, Norman (Carol) Hyer, sister-in-law Shirley Hyer, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The memorial service for Phil will be held on April 17, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the VERKUILEN VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr., Kaukauna. A time of visitation held on April 17 from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established. The funeral will be livestreamed at the Verkuilen Van Deurzen Funeral home facebook page. Online condolences may be expressed at www.verkuilenfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Mar. 26 to Apr. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Muth

Sponsored by Verkuilen - Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home - Kaukauna.

12 Entries

Irene Piller /Lyn

April 11, 2021

Getting to know Phil at Touchmark was a memorable experience. Always the loving husband to Joan, so interesting to talk to, just a pleasure to be around. We miss seeing all of you.

Margaret Altenhofen

April 8, 2021

I did not know Philip. However after reading his obituary brought up memories of my father. My father was also a navigator flying B-24s with 450 Bomb Squadron over Europe. I feel along with my dad that Philip was a hero. Thank you Philip for your service and it sounds like you were an exceptional man. My sympathies go out to your loved ones.

Tom Wiggins

April 6, 2021

I had Mr Muth in chemistry/ science class. He understood teens and science. I carried the knowledge he shared into my college years. I would have traded him for my college chemistry professor in a heartbeat. I did not know he was WWII vet and POW. I wish I had known. I would have loved to hear stories of his achievements and experiences .He is the last of the few members of the “greatest generation”

Gail Possley

April 6, 2021

Mr. Muth was my Science teacher and a very kind and caring man. He related so well with every student because he listened and genuinely cared about what each one had to say. I learned so much from him.
He was also involved in Lions Club with my father, Henry Valiska. My father was fond of Mr. Muth for his devotion to his family, to Lion's Club and to his involvement with his church, First English Lutheran, which was also the church we attended. I am very sorry to hear of his passing, but I remember him fondly and with great admiration.
My sympathies to his family.

Ann Secord

April 2, 2021

Mr. Muth was my science teacher at West Jr High. I distinctly remember how much he emphasized learning different constellations. I think of him every time I recognize the familiar patterns in the sky. Reading this amazing tribute really opened my eyes about the huge roll the stars played in his life. A wonderful person who truly impacted more lives than he or his family will ever know.

Jim Aylward

March 31, 2021

I never knew Phillip however it is obvious from reading his obit he will be remembered as a GREAT man.

Patty (Whitrock) Mews

March 30, 2021

I had Mr Muth in West Jr High as a science teacher. However he helped me after school with my math that I struggled in. He was the reason I passed math that year. We shared a birthdate and that made him an extra great teacher. When people talk about that one teacher that made an impact, that would be Mr. Muth for me. God Speed Mr. Muth. My condolences to the family.

Michael Wertheimer

March 30, 2021

Such an amazing teacher. One of my favorites. He did such a great job of inspiring us to learn. My sympathy for your loss.

T Schmidt

March 29, 2021

He was a most memorable teacher 45 years ago...

March 29, 2021

My best teacher ever!

Kathy Pechinski

March 29, 2021

Mr. Muth was my teacher in 8th grade at Mead School. He was a character and a wonderful teacher. My deep sympathy to all his family.

Mary (Craft) Marofka

March 28, 2021

Mr. Muth was our neighbor while I was growing up on 20th Avenue. Phil and Joan were the nicest people. I remember him bringing out his telescope in his driveway and sharing his knowledge with us, especially my brother. I have fond memories of your Dad. My sympathy goes out to your family.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results