"I stopped by Donckers to visit Fred whenever i was in the area. I first met him at the Garden Room which became a stop after some basketball games. He was always upbeat, gracious, and as honest as the day was long. He regularly walked to/from home and the Garden Room which was a few miles. One time during a particularly nasty storm, he said he was closing early and would catch a ride with me to go home. When I dropped him off at his home?perhaps Fisher Street?he asked where i lived. I told him Harvey and he let out his typical Fred Phillips laugh, saying he thought i lived in Marquette. He had a great story about the time President Obama visited Marquette and Donckers?he set off the Secret Service alarm when he pointed out they had not secured the alleyway entrance. He was a great guy. I am sorry i will not be able to attend the Friday mass at St. Louis, but Fred and his family will be in my prayers."
In loving memory of
FREDERICK J. PHILLIPS
March 11, 1949 - June 14, 2022
Frederick J. Phillips, 73, of Marquette, died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at his home.
Fred was born on March 11, 1949 in Sault Ste. Marie, a son of Frederick H. and Angeline Spreitzer. He was a 1967 graduate of Marquette Senior High School and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam War.
After completing his military service, Fred was employed with the Ford Motor Company for two years in Ypsilanti. He spent the majority of his working career however, in Marquette at the Edgewater Motel Garden Room as a bartender and at Donckers Candies. In his free time, he enjoyed running with his dog, Burt. He also enjoyed cooking.
Fred is survived by his loving Mother, Angeline Phillips of Marquette; two brothers, William Phillips of Negaunee and Robert (Diane) Phillips of Marquette; one sister, Paulette Hytinen of Marquette; nieces and nephews, Aaron (Michelle) Phillips, Audra (Dave) Hubbard, Robert (Traci) Phillips, Brian (Stephanie) Phillips, Mark (Nicole) Phillips, Eric (Annie) Hytinen, Sherri (Scott) Tarsi, Kerri (Scott) Fenley, David Hytinen and his fiancé, Kimberlee Erickson; also surviving are numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Frederick H. Phillips and a brother-in-law, Paul Hytinen.
Friends may call at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Friday, June 24th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Glenn Theoret officiating and Rev. Larry VanDamme concelebrating. A luncheon will be served in Gauthier Hall immediately following the Funeral Mass and burial will conclude at Northland Chapel Gardens with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Phillips family where memories of Fred may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"
"Dear Phillips family our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I worked for years with Fred at the Garden Room. I am sure he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and by all who frequent Donkers. RIP Fred. ? ? ? ?"
"Dear Phillips Family, We send our sincere sympathy to your whole family. Bill and Joan Dupras"