Phillip D. Kamke, 89, of Merrill, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Phil was born April 24, 1933, in Merrill, WI, son of the late William and Verna (Plautz) Kamke. He graduated from Merrill High School in 1951. Phil received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from UW Stevens Point in 1957 after serving two years in the US Army during the Korean War. Phil married the love of his life, Marge Zipp, on June 17, 1961. Together they raised two children, Nancy and David. Phil spent 58 years as President of Wm Kamke & Sons, Inc, a farm and lawn implement business. He cherished the many friendships he made through his business and many sporting events playing city league softball, church dartball, league bowling, and many, many years of golf. Phil had a great love for football having played in high school, the US Army, and at UW Stevens Point. Phil and Marge spent quality time with their family traveling the US and camping in their GMC motorhome. As they got older, they eventually made Orange Beach, AL, their winter home. The friends they made in Orange Beach, from near and far, will always be cherished.
Phil is survived by his wife, Marge; their children, Nancy Borelli of Merrill and David Kamke of Breckenridge, CO; grandchild, Stephanie (Bradley) Baumgart, and great-grandchildren, Maci and Tucker, all of Merrill. He is further survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, William and Verna Kamke; his brother, Roger Kamke; and his in-laws, Fred and Olga Zipp.
A memorial service for Phil will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The family will receive friends and family beginning at 9:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com