Obituary: Phillip Rodgers Lerum

by Jim Dittmann
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Phillip Rodgers Lerum, age 83 of Fox Lake, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

Phil was born on July 11, 1933 in the town of Leeds in Columbia County, the son of Clarence and Carol (Bradley) Lerum. He graduated from Rio High School in 1951, where he enjoyed playing football. On October 23, 1954, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Hebel. He proudly served his country for four years in the United States Marine Corps. During the Korean War, he served on the USS Kearsarge aircraft carrier ship. Upon returning home, Phil worked on farms and then at Kirsch Foundry in Beaver Dam. He eventually retired after working many years at John Deere in Horicon. He was a lifetime member of United Church of Christ in Fox Lake.

Phil was a volunteer firefighter in Fox Lake for 20 years, serving as Assistant Fire Chief and retired as an Honorary Member in 1992. Phil was also a member of the Fox Lake American Legion Post 521. His hobbies included watching the Brewers and Packers, snowmobiling, bowling, collecting miniature trains, Ham Radio Club and enjoying a cold Kessler Lite. His sassy demeanor, love for his family and friendship he shared with so many people will never be forgotten.

Phil is survived by his children, Patricia Kieliszewski of rural Randolph, Debra (Dan) Hencke of Fond du Lac, Dean (Vicki) Lerum of Herbster, Jean (Rick) Wagner of Waupun, Mary Jo (Rick) Lemanski of Fond du Lac and Cheryl (John) Kotek of Beaver Dam; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ruth Ann (Bob) Leistikow of Monroe, Dennis (Darlene) Lerum of Rio and Darryl (Carol) Leistiko of Monroe; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roland (Dorma) Hebel of MT, LeRoy (Helen) Hebel of Marshall, Linda Lou Wolter of MT, Donna Mae (Bob) Mountford of Poynette, Margaret Hebel of Poynette, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Ann in 2009; son-in-law, Sheldon Kieliszewski; mother and father-in law; brothers-in-law and other relatives.

Visitation for Phil will be held on Monday, September 12, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, prior to the funeral at Cornerstone, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services with Chaplain Peg Salmela officiating. Phil will be laid to rest next to Mary Ann at Riverside Memorial Park in Fox Lake and a luncheon will be served back at Cornerstone.

If desired, memorials in Phil’s name may be directed to the Fox Lake Fire Department or American Legion Post 521.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com

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