Phil worked hard as a lumberjack in Northern Wisconsin to support his mother and siblings. In 1952, he joined the Marine Corp serving at Camp Pendleton as a Corporal. He trained soldiers for cold weather survival for the Korean War. On November 19, 1974, he married Mary Jane Camper. He was employed at Wick Lumber Yards in California and Illinois and at Wolohan Lumbers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. He retired in 2006 after 42 years of employment. Phil was a pilot, golfer and loved working in his yard. He loved his pets, especially Gunner.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Ritchey; children, Debbie (Bill) Jamison of Limo, OH, Judy (Rob) Evans of Spencerville, IN, Todd (Tina) Ritchey, and Meaghan (Detrich) Ritchey; 11 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.
We would like to say a special thank you to Anita Shaw of Forte Nursing Care for her love and support. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 5 PM with calling from 2 PM until the time of service at Hockemeyer Funeral Home, 17629 St. Rd. 37, Harlan.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or Cedar Creek Church of Christ. For online condolences, please visit www.hockemeyerfuneralhome.com
