Philip Edward Sierzega

Phil, the son of the late Edward and Estelle Sierzega, was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 15, 1956.

After graduating High School and working as a receiving manager for Venture Stores, Phil decided to leave the Chicago area and study his true passion - agriculture.

Phil started his college career at Northern Illinois University and then transferred to the University of Nevada-Reno to study Plant and Soil Science and work for the Soil Conservation Service during the summers. While attending UNR, he met his future wife, Lori Yorgey.

Phil continued his studies at Michigan State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Crop and Soil Science in 1984. He and Lori married that same year on December 22 in Incline Village, Nevada. Phil continued with graduate research at MSU before moving into private industry as a soil scientist for over 30 years.

Wanting to share his love of agriculture with his family, Phil created a hobby farm, selling vegetables at their roadside stand, “PALS Pumpkins”. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his son, family trips to baseball games and amusement parks, and spending time with his little buddy, Lucy, the family’s cocker spaniel.

Philip is survived by his wife, Lori; daughter, Amy Sierzega; son, Samuel (Bethany) Sierzega; grandson, Malachi Sierzega; sister, Suzanna (Clenton) Warnick; sisters-in-law; Lynda Cowes and Robyne (Tim) Marsteller; brother-in-law, Roger Yorgey II; special friends, Paula and Steve Blumer; and many nieces, nephews and loved ones.

A memorial service for Philip will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel, 205 E Middle St., Williamston, MI 48895.

Contributions in Philip's memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108, https://nkfm.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/