"Uncle Phil, you will be missed. Many great memories of family gatherings as a kid. RIP"
In loving memory of
Phil A. Kammerer
April 25, 1942 - April 15, 2017
Madison - Phil A. Kammerer, age 74, passed away April 15, 2017 at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born in Milwaukee on April 25, 1942, to Phil A. and Hester (Hoskins) Kammerer. Phil married Valerie J. Deakin on August 14, 1965.
Phil is survived by his son Steven of Durango, CO; sister Jane (Thomas) Trimborn and niece Sarah of Kirksville, MO, and other extended family and many friends. He shared his enjoyment of the outdoors, travel, and cooking with his special love, Rosemary Stenback. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Valerie; and mother-in-law, Joy Deakin.
Phil retired in 1995 after a 30 year career as a Water Chemist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Phil was active with Madison rowing clubs and volunteered with Agrace Hospice and Habitat for Humanity. During this time, the people that he met, worked and played with, joined his extensive network of friends.
Phil was very intelligent and thoughtful. He had an appreciation for irony, and had no problem saying what was on his mind. This, combined with a great sense of humor, made him a lot of fun to be around.
It's hard to say if Phil loved to eat as much as he loved to cook, but he loved them both. "In moderation, of course." He spent a lot of time outdoors, hiking, boating, and even riding his bike across Wisconsin on several occasions. Phil loved the water, whether he was in it, or just sitting by it, reflecting on life.
He was a much loved son, brother, husband, soulmate, and father. He loved us all back even more. This brought Phil joy in the end. He was grateful to have the time to have a proper closure with his people, and be at peace.
In the end, Phil had an opportunity that many of us never will have. He had the time to reflect on his life with a smile, while facing death. He was especially grateful for the people in his life. "He meant well."
A Celebration of Phil's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at AGRACE HOSPICECARE, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, with a time to share memories and stories.
Memorials may be given to Agrace Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of one's choice.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear, loved one. Death is hard to deal with. Even Jesus gave way to tears when Lazarus died (John 11:35). But our Heavenly Father views death as an enemy and promises to put an end to it (1 Cor 15:26). We can look forward to being reunited with our loved ones again. For additional information please visit http://bit.ly/1K38EFt."
"To a witty, kind-hearted, hard-working guy, see you on the other side my friend. Wishing Phil's family the best! ~Colleen Curran (from his rowing years)"
"My sympathy to Phil's family. I worked with Phil at the USGS. Phil was a very knowledgeable and kind person. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead. Sincerely, Tom Wittwer"
"My sincerest condolences to all in Phil's family. Coming up on three years ago I purchased his house on Pioneer Rd. Working with him was wonderful and he was so helpful with several items, even as recently as about a month ago. He left, at the house, a large oak desk that he used while in college and I believe he said was used by his father as well. I have continued to use it. However, if someone in the family would like to retrieve it for sentimental value I am more than willing to let it go. I can be reached at 608-606-9077. Eileen Nelson"
"A fishing buddy, the guy I ate gyro with, a good guy and a truer friend I will never have!"
"We miss you. I couldn't help but think of this photo I had framed. "
"A new journey begins, Phil. With condolences to all family and loved ones. Rosemary's sister, Kamay."
"I love you Uncle Phil. You will be missed dearly."