Philip C. Krease

The most beautiful, gentle of spirits are often the most cherished, the most loved, and the most fleeting. There is much about this world we do not understand, nor are we meant to; we must rely on love and faith to guide us. Philip Krease was a boy so full of both, of love and faith, such a gentle, fragile spirit. He was here with us so briefly, yet left such a lasting imprint, a gift we will cherish forever. The year was 1993, and America was at the cusp of true greatness, the beginning of so many successes the likes of which we have never seen. Our economy was beginning its upswing, as the strains of the first Persian Gulf War were behind us. William Jefferson Clinton was inaugurated as the countrys 42nd President, succeeding George H.W. Bush. Our nations culture began to pay homage to the struggles of those that came before, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day was recognized as a national holiday for the first time, and the Holocaust Memorial opened in our nations capital. And our countrys youth were the first born into the new Information Age, as the internet became so prevalent in our daily lives, connecting so many of us across the airwaves. Yes, it was a time of renewed hope for so many, and a time of celebration. Here in this little corner of the globe, the Krease family had their own cause for celebration and hope, with the birth of a beautiful baby boy, their youngest of three sons, Philip. Philip was born September 1, 1993, on a warm, sunny Wednesday at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Philips birth was such a wonderful celebration for his parents, Marion and Kevin, and his older brothers Michael and Jonathan were equally excited to have a baby brother. They even moved into the same bedroom together to make room for him! Unlike so many siblings, Philips brothers were so excited to have him join the family, and he was such a beloved, happy baby, who they lovingly nicknamed Pepe. Philip was always so loved by his family, though, and enjoyed a very loving and nurturing atmosphere in his youth. He started school at Kerby All-Day Kindergarten at Kerby Elementary School near the familys home in Grosse Pointe Farms, and was a very bright young boy who loved school. Most recently he attended Brownell Middle School, where he participated in many school activities, including the wrestling team and the track team, and even went to Camp Howell with his classmates. His mother Marion was a volunteer chaperone on that trip, always very devoted to her boys, especially Philip. The Krease family did much together, and Philip loved his family dearly. He loved their many activities and vacations they took together, including camping trips, trips to Chicago or Traverse City, or just get-togethers with his Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. A special vacation was when the whole family rented a house up north for New Years, where they made so many warm memories in that winter wonderland. Christmastime was of course Philips favorite, and he loved Christmas morning more than anything, waking before anyone in the house and excitedly rushing down to the tree to tear open his gifts. Philip found joy in so many things, though. He was like so many happy kids, who loved to go to his friends houses after school or for sleepovers. He loved to come home from school and have a snack usually Gummie Bears, sweet cereal or his favorite, pizza and plop down in front of the TV, watching his favorite shows or playing video games. He loved to watch the cartoons Sponge Bob Square Pants and the Fairly Odd Parents, and X-Play, a show all about video games. Like so many kids, Philip loved video games of all kinds, whether on his Gameboy or Nintendo DS, which he took with him everywhere, or on his PlayStation. He would happily sit and play Mario Kart for hours on end, his beloved and loyal dog, Buddy, by his side. He was in so many ways, a typical 12-year-old, but those who knew him, knew better. Philip wasnt just typical; he was special, a kind and gentle spirit, a boy full of love, for friends, family and God. There is so much about this world we do not understand, but this much we do: Philip was a gift for his brief time with us, a gift we will love, cherish and remember forever. He will be so greatly missed. Philip Krease is the beloved son of Kevin and Marion Krease. Loving brother of Michael and Jonathan. Dear grandson of Philip C. Dickinson. He is also survived by his loving dog Buddy. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 4th, 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Officiating the Memorial Mass will be Fr. John Wynnycky.