Phil Weiss

As family and friends can surely attest, Phillip Weiss truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Phil greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. His solid work ethic was the foundation of all that he did. Forever loved, Phil will be deeply missed by those who knew him best.

The early 1940s are remembered as a time of great tension for the United States and the rest of the world. WWII raged around the globe, and countless brave servicemen were called to serve away from home. Those who remained stateside faced rationing, clung to their radios for news, and supported the war effort in any way they could. It was during this tumultuous time that Eugene and Irene (Slee) Weiss of Bangor, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. On March 18, 1942, they welcomed their son, Phillip Eugene, into the world.

Growing up, Phil was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Bangor alongside his two younger siblings. As the oldest child, Phil was often entrusted with great responsibility, and was an amazing brother to Jack and Jill. His father, Eugene, worked as a locksmith while his mother, Irene, was a nurse. From a young age, Phil had a love for sports of all kinds. He played on the 1960 Bangor High School state championship basketball team. He also played football and was a member of the track team. Later in life, Phil had the honor of being inducted into the Bangor Hall of Fame for both basketball and football.

Phil’s work ethic was evident from the time he was young. He took great pride in the work he did, beginning in his early years when he helped his lifelong friend, Hutch, on the family farm. When he was old enough to get a job, he worked at the local grocery store and at McKane Funeral Home. He continued working in the area until he graduated from Bangor High School in 1960 and went on to further his education at Michigan State University.

It was during his time at MSU that Phil found love with a young woman named Charlotte Berner, who was attending Western Michigan University. The two first met on a blind date while he was on spring break, and he picked her up to go to a party. Unfortunately, Phil made a less-than-flattering first impression, and they didn’t quite hit it off. He ended up calling Char the next day to apologize and ask for a second date. She agreed, and the rest was history. Over time, their relationship blossomed into something truly special. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Phil and Char were married on May 7, 1966, ready to step into their future as husband and wife.

All who knew Phil would certainly agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Char were overjoyed to welcome their three daughters, Kim, Marcee, and Heidi, into their hearts and home. Phil thrived in his role as a father. He made it a priority to be involved in his girls’ lives, whether it was coaching softball, cheering on the sidelines, or attending their numerous other activities. Each summer, the Weiss family went camping in Boyne City at Young State Park, which became the backdrop of countless fond memories. He loved to spend as much time with his family as he could.

Later in life, Phil was thrilled to become a grandfather and great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren, Lauren, Nolan, Andrew, and Justin, and had a unique bond with each of them. When his great-grandchildren came along, he loved his visits with them as well.

After Char passed in 2021, Phil and his family grew even closer, leaning on each other for support. The family worked hard to create a new normal after her passing. There were weekly shopping trips and family dinners, trips up north, and many other special times that will never be forgotten.

Phil was never afraid to work hard in order to provide for his family. Once he graduated from Michigan State University, he began working for Miller Davis Company. However, when Phil was no longer satisfied with the work he was doing for Miller Davis, he made the bold decision to branch out on his own. Weiss Construction was started in 1974 and was built on the principles of integrity, honesty, and high-quality workmanship. He earned an amazing reputation as a builder and a craftsman. Because of these qualities, Phil never had to advertise his work. Phil worked long hours to strengthen his business, but he always made sure he was home for dinner with his family.

Never one to sit still for long, Phil pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. Most of all, he enjoyed fishing, “putzing” in his shop, and playing cribbage. Phil was an avid Michigan State sports fan, and his family said he bled green and white. In fact, all of his trucks needed to be green with a white cap! He was also well known for his love of laughter and witty sayings.

When reflecting on the life of Phillip Weiss, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was a shining example of hard work and humility. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Phil was a friend to many and beloved by all. He was always willing to go above and beyond to help others, and his primary focus in life was building deep and genuine relationships with those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Phil leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on.

Phillip Weiss died peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Phil was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; his daughter, Heidi Weiss in 2008, and his sister Jill Sanchez in 1996. Phil’s family includes his daughters: Kimberly Weiss (Gary Ellis) and Marcia (Scott) Poole; grandchildren: Lauren (Maxwell) Donovan, Nolan (Genna) Padley, Andrew Poole, and Justin Poole; great-grandchildren, Calliope and Owen; brother Jack (Anne) Weiss; nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rose Arbor for the amazing kindness, compassion, and respect they showed as they cared for Phil during his stay. Services will be held at 4pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900. A reception where food, drinks, and stories will be shared will be held immediately following the service in the Life Story Center.

The family would like to encourage those planning to attend, to wear their favorite college team attire. Phil would love the banter of defending his favorite team against yours!

Phil will be buried along with his wife Char, next to their daughter in the Richland Cemetery. Please visit Phil’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial donations may be directed to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Rose Arbor Hospice.