Philip Prellwitz

Philip Berdine Lynn Prellwitz, age 85, of 353 Cty Rd E, Ripon, died Monday, May 2, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh with his family at his side, due to complications during a heart catheterization.

He was born on August 29, 1919, in Willow City, ND, son of Carl and Anna (Yerkie) Prellwitz. Phil grew up on a farm in Willow City, ND. His family moved to Wisconsin in 1934 due to the North Dakota dust storms. They settled in the Rush Lake area where he met the love of his life, Margie Krause, at a May Basket party. He gave Margie a diamond before volunteering for the US Army in 1941. He was in the European Theater until 1945. Phil and Margie were married in Ripon on June 12, 1943 by Pastor Egon Schieler. They resided in the Rush Lake Village where they raised their three daughters.

Phil was an entrepreneur. With only an 8th grade education and some mechanical background, he started his first business, “Rush Lake Motor Service”, at age 28. This business successfully grew, and being an opportunist, he, with his wife, moved the business to Ripon, renaming the business “Phil’s Tire & Battery”, selling Goodyear tires. He was first in the area to provide “on-the-farm" field service.

Phil and Margie retired in 1972 and enjoyed many happy years together. They traveled extensively and built a new home. At the age of 64, Phil taught himself to golf and also built a one-hole golf course with the help of his grandchildren and nephews. They also bowled with the Ripon Senior bowlers, enjoying their many friends there.

Phil had many hobbies, his favorites being hunting and fishing. At the age of 80, he shot a deer, pheasant, duck, goose, turkey, and caught a sturgeon. He shared his expertise with anyone who would listen. This year, being his most challenging year after losing most of the sight in his right eye, he taught himself to aim and shoot left-handed and on April 21st, killed a turkey with one shot. Just ask any of the nurses at Mercy Medical Center…they all know the story.

His other love was gardening, especially growing roses. He would often pick a fresh rose in the morning to give to Margie. He also started special Zinnias from seed every spring for his three daughters and a few special nieces. “Phil’s Zinnias” are started and waiting for us to plant.

He was particularly proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoying spending time with them throughout the years.



Survivors include his wife, Margie of Ripon; daughter, Nancy (Tom) Howard of Dodgeville and their children, Aaron, Nicholas & Elizabeth; daughter, Wendy (Thomas) Stobbe of Berlin and their children, Kristy (Troy) Grayson of Black Mountain, NC and their children, Torin & Skylar Grayson, NC, Kasey (Nicole) Chase of Berlin, and Wendy’s stepchildren, Heidi, Tyler & Tony Stobbe of Berlin; and daughter Cindy (John) Iwata of Oshkosh and their son, Evan Iwata. He is further survived by sister, Marnie Prellwitz; several nieces and nephews; and his fishing buddies, Reid Gustin and Heinie Sina. He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 sister, Ella Walker; 4 brothers, Louis, Raymond, Milton, and Clarence “Shorty” Prellwitz.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2005, at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon with the Rev. Mark R. West officiating. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon, and again on Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Nepeuskun Cemetery, Town of Nepeuskun. Memorials to Our Saviour’s UCC Scholarship Fund or the American Heart Association.

Dad, you taught us so much; work hard, play hard, and try to get ahead. Never look back, always forward, for that is the future.

But, Dad, who will plant our Zinnias next year?
We will truly miss you!


Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon, is assisting the family.
www.butzinmarchant.com