Philip Marshall Wehrmeister

Philip graduated from Chadsey High School in 1959. He was a first-generation college graduate who put himself through school, receiving his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the General Motors Institute (GMI) in 1964 and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University in 1969. He was a Registered Professional Engineer. He had a distinguished career in engineering, management and company leadership at the Chevrolet Forge plant, the Ford Motor Company, PICO, the Elsas Engineering (Owner and President), and the Efficient Energy Technologies (Founder). He was an active member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the American Welding Society (AWS).

He was active in his community serving as PTA president, treasurer, and as Millage chairman for two school elections. He was active at church serving on the church council for several years and as president of the couple’s club.

Family was everything to Phil, and his fate was sealed one evening when he spotted a beautiful nursing student across the room at a wedding and sweet talked her into a date. Phil married Kathy Menke in 1961 and after 60 years of marriage, he still thought (and rightly so) that his wife was the best wife, mother, nurse, and cook ever. Together they raised their son Mark (Kris) Wehrmeister of Washougal, WA, and daughters Lynda (David) Elsas of Troy, MI, and Marsha (Patrick) Ennis of Grosse Pointe Park.

Phil adored his grandchildren Michael (Elaine) Elsas, Ryan Ennis, Kelsey Ennis, Brian (Rachel Larsen) Elsas, Cameron Ennis, Maj Wehrmeister, Kallan Wehrmeister, and Kate Ennis. He leaves behind his brother Armand (Donna) Wehrmeister. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mitchell Wehrmeister.

Phil was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose favorite pastime was bragging about his family. He made a point to be involved in all aspects of his wife, children, and grandchildren’s lives. He could always be found with a camera in hand to document all those family moments that made him so proud.

Phil was a talented “do it yourselfer” who could tackle any project and taught his children to do the same. He was a car enthusiast who guided his children to restore classic cars, even painting them in the garage. He loved boating on Lake St Clair and brewing craft beer. He enjoyed traveling with his family throughout the continental United States and Canada. He had numerous other interests including photography, his many dogs over the years, and telling jokes. He liked to collect and save the things that reminded him of happy times in his life and the lives of people he loved.

Phil was strong in his faith and set a solid example for his family. His family finds deep comfort that Phil is now with the Lord. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

A visitation for Philip will be held Friday, September 10, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM at A. H. Peters Funeral Home.