Philip Chenier

Phil was born August 15, 1946 to Louis Chenier and Lula Morgenstern (Price) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He moved to Hilliards, Michigan at the age of six when his mother purchased the Hilliards Tavern. It was at this time that he met his Pogodzinski neighbors and became best friends with Jack. He attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School through eighth grade. After graduating from Hopkins High School in 1964, he went on to study at Western Michigan University, and was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam in 1969. Before leaving for the Army, Phil met and married his bride, Von (Lavonne) O’Connor March 7, 1969. He was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Lisa, who was born while he was serving. Upon his return from the war, he became a police officer for the City of Wyoming. In 1973, Phil and Von were blessed with another beautiful daughter, Erin. The family built a home in Hilliards, Michigan in 1977 and have resided there ever since. Phil and Von recently celebrated 53 years of marriage March seventh.

Phil served in many roles over the course of his career as a police officer - most notably as a polygraph examiner and detective - retiring as a captain. He finished his degree at Grand Valley State University and later went on to graduate from the FBI National Academy. He proudly served until his retirement in 2002 after 31 years of service, where he developed many close friendships that have stood the test of time.

Phil was preceded in death by his mother and father; mother- and father-in-law Ann and Matt O’Connor; second wife, Mae O’Connor; sister, Syndey (Bud) DeVries; brothers-in-law Russell O’Connor and Scott O’Connor; nephew, Greg Burmania; dear aunt and uncle Marion and Earl Brooks; as well as dear friends Jerry Cline and Glenda Silvernail. He is survived by his wife, Von; sister, Marie (Joe) Rybiski; aunt, Mary (Price) Jorae; children Lisa (Brian) Kukulies and Erin (Pat) Cunningham; Spanish daughter (exchange student of many years), Blanca (Miguel Angel del Rio) de Paz; grandchildren Matt (Jill nee Miller) Kukulies, Kurtis Cunningham, Luke Cunningham, Isaac Kukulies, Connor (Kelley nee Kloska) Kukulies; and “bonus grandkids” Josh Kukulies, Cova del Rio and all the Kukulies exchange students Timmy, Frank. Lennart, Andrea, Fran, and Laureen; and beloved great-grandchild, Arlen Heinz Kukulies (son of Matt and Jill). He will be missed by his large O’Connor family Donna (Paul) Burmania, Barb (Don) Thompson, Bonnie (Jim) Teunissen, Wayne (Judy) O’Connor, Jan (Russell’s wife) O’Connor, Dale (Terri) O’Connor, Cheryl (Ed) Davis; and many nieces and nephews. Phil held a special place in his heart for his lifelong best friends Jack and Eileen Pogodzinski, Larry and Pat Silvernail, and Marge Cline.

Phil was known for his deep love and devotion to his family and friends. He was no stranger to hard work, and was always willing to pitch in and lend a helping hand. He and his wife, Von, could regularly be found helping their kids, grandkids, and friends with renovation projects. He found ways to relax by spending time near the water at family and friends’ cottages on Payne Lake, Miner Lake, Ten Mile Lake (Canada), and Morrison Lake. He went out on top as a champion of his golf league with his best buddy, Jack Pogodzinski. Phil always knew he could count on his two fantastic sons-in-law, Brian and Pat, to help him with projects, go fishing in Canada, and take care of his girls. Phil’s grandkids meant the world to him; he was so proud of them all and the men that they have become. A little piece of him lives on in Matt, Kurtis, Luke, Isaac, and Connor. Phil and Von could often be found out and about with their faithful overnight guest, Kurtis, who regularly spent weekends at the G and G, B and B (Grandma and Grandpa, Bed and Breakfast). He was ecstatic to welcome two granddaughters to the family in Jill and Kelley. Most recently, Phil could be found bragging about his great-grandson, Arlen, to anyone who would listen.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 4330 18th St., Dorr, MI 49323. A Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1871 - 136th Ave., Dorr, MI 49323. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Phil (and in honor of his grandson Kurtis), contributions may be made to The Williams Syndrome Association, 560 Kirts Blvd., Ste. 116, Troy, Michigan 48084-4156. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookdorr.com.