Philip Sheil, age 95, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, under the care of his family, the residence staff, and hospice services.
Phil was born October 22, 1921, in the town of Fitchburg, Dane County, Wisconsin, son of the late John and Della Sheil. He was one of five children and was raised on the family farm near Oregon, Wisconsin. Phil was a 1939 graduate of Oregon High School, and was a member of the school’s basketball team that participated in the state high school basketball tournament. Phil later attended the University of Wisconsin and played basketball on the freshman team in 1940. He met his future wife, Phyllis Jane Rostal, while she was attending Edgewood College in Madison. They were married in August of 1946. Phil and Phyllis resided in Madison for two years before moving to Merrill and joining the family business, ‘Heine’s Gas & Oil’. Phil was a past president of the Merrill Evening Lions Club, and was a former member of the Merrill Rotary Club. Phil was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1950 and became a lifelong member.
Golf became an enduring passion for Phil. He joined the Merrill Golf Club and was a member for 53 years. During his membership, Phil served on the club’s board of directors, and also as president for two years. Phil retired from the family business in 1981, leaving him more time to golf in Merrill, as well as in Orange Beach, Alabama. During his golfing career, Phil occasionally suffered a frustrating round. However, he proudly shot three hole-in-ones, successfully shot his age starting at 76, and continued actively playing to the age of 90.
Phil is survived by his wife, Phyllis Sheil; two sons, Michael (Sue) Sheil, Kerrville, Texas, and Scott (Jan) Sheil, Burnsville, Minnesota; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Holy Cross Chapel-Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. Father Chris Kemp will preside. Burial will follow in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at Holy Cross Chapel. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.
The Sheil Family has requested that memorials be directed to the: Evans Scholars Foundation, One Blair Rd., Golf, IL 60029.