Phil D. Counselman, age 89, of Monroe, formerly of Cadiz Township, passed away peacefully at his home, on March 14, 2009. He was born on February 2, 1920 on the family farm outside of Ipava, Illinois, the son of Earl and Colla (Smith) Counselman. Phil was a veteran of WWII, serving 36 Months in England and France in the 862nd Heavy Automotive Maintenance Co. His company was crucial to the war effort in maintaining all types of military vehicles near the Red Ball Express Highway, as the allies advanced across France into Germany. His military training served him well. After the war, Phil used his mechanics abilities to service the growing automobile usage.
Phil married Genevieve "Gen" Metcalf on June 13, 1946 in Monroe. Phil operated the Southside Pure Oil station during the 1950's, moving on to owning his own repair business off the square, operating a Union 76 station on the northside of Monroe and finished up his working years at the NAPA machine shop. He never stopped working with his hands and up until the last two years, he still worked on hydraulic jacks for local farmers.
Phil was a lifetime member of the Cecil Jones V.F.W. Post #2312 and Zilmer Riley American Legion Post #84. He was a charter member of the Green County Duck's Unlimited, active in Pheasants Forever, Friends of Cadiz Park and had participated in past Audubon Christmas bird counts as well as habitat restoration. Phil always owned hunting dogs, especially Brittany Spaniels. His greatest fall pastime was pheasant hunting. Phil and Gen resided just outside of Cadiz Springs State Park for 36 years until their recent move into Monroe. Phil's heart and spirit will forever be tied to his little acreage closest to nature. Phil instilled in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren his respect and love of all nature's gifts.
Survivors include Gen his wife; daughters, Beth (Terry) Kramer of Baraboo, Jill (John) Norton of Stevens Point, Lynn (Alan Stewart) Fox of Longmont, Colorado; son, Dean (Deborah Shutvet) Counselman of Monroe; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren and a seventh due in August; also survived by a brother, Howard Counselman of Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Vera.
Per Phil's wishes a private family service will take place at a later date. The best way to remember Phil, is to take time to enjoy Mother Nature and if able, take a walk and enjoy. The family requests no phone calls, please.
"They looked first for color and so went to all the rainbows of the universe...
And when they were through, there was the ring neck pheasant for man to love, admire, or pursue."
Phil married Genevieve "Gen" Metcalf on June 13, 1946 in Monroe. Phil operated the Southside Pure Oil station during the 1950's, moving on to owning his own repair business off the square, operating a Union 76 station on the northside of Monroe and finished up his working years at the NAPA machine shop. He never stopped working with his hands and up until the last two years, he still worked on hydraulic jacks for local farmers.
Phil was a lifetime member of the Cecil Jones V.F.W. Post #2312 and Zilmer Riley American Legion Post #84. He was a charter member of the Green County Duck's Unlimited, active in Pheasants Forever, Friends of Cadiz Park and had participated in past Audubon Christmas bird counts as well as habitat restoration. Phil always owned hunting dogs, especially Brittany Spaniels. His greatest fall pastime was pheasant hunting. Phil and Gen resided just outside of Cadiz Springs State Park for 36 years until their recent move into Monroe. Phil's heart and spirit will forever be tied to his little acreage closest to nature. Phil instilled in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren his respect and love of all nature's gifts.
Survivors include Gen his wife; daughters, Beth (Terry) Kramer of Baraboo, Jill (John) Norton of Stevens Point, Lynn (Alan Stewart) Fox of Longmont, Colorado; son, Dean (Deborah Shutvet) Counselman of Monroe; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren and a seventh due in August; also survived by a brother, Howard Counselman of Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Vera.
Per Phil's wishes a private family service will take place at a later date. The best way to remember Phil, is to take time to enjoy Mother Nature and if able, take a walk and enjoy. The family requests no phone calls, please.
"They looked first for color and so went to all the rainbows of the universe...
And when they were through, there was the ring neck pheasant for man to love, admire, or pursue."