Philip J. Birch

Philip J. Birch (84) of Superior, WI passed away on August 9, 2024, at home surrounded by family, with his loving wife at his side.

He was born in Ashland, WI on September 12,1939, to Edward and Joyce (Hanson) Birch. He graduated from Superior Cathedral High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Philip was a standout athlete in football and basketball for both St. Croix (Solon Springs) and Cathedral High Schools. In his senior football campaign at Cathedral, Philip and Dan Conway were named as the “fastest backfield in the Twin Ports” by the Evening Telegram and Duluth News Tribune.

On August 17, 1963, he wed Rosemarie “Ro” Ruthgeerts at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Allouez. They came close to celebrating 61 years together.

Philip was a proud member of U.S. Army Reserves serving in the Corps of Engineers as a hard hat/salvage diver in Fort Eusitis, Virgina.

Always energetic and idea-driven, Philip spent his working life b. nced between supervisory positions in the petroleum industry, (Murphy Oil in Superior, Dome Petroleum, Ltd. in St. Clair, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario) in meat packing at Link Bros. in Minong, as well as his own businesses (early-on contracting with the railroad for a grain recovery operation, and later, most especially, an expanded polystyrene insulation manufacturing business in Superior—known variously as PolyTherm Industries, Superior Insul-shield, and Styrotech North).  His strong work ethic, inherent optimism, and amazing ability to adapt showed in his relationships with customers and coworkers. In retirement Philip worked both in candy vending and as a transport driver for railroad crews.

A long-time parishioner of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Philip served as chairman of the parish council and also as an Extraordinary Minster of Holy Communion.

Philip loved to hunt, spending time harvesting board-wining “swamp bucks” from the Empire and Belden swamps along with his sons, brothers Greg and Alan, nephew Bradley and friend Jack Wohlwend. Fishing was also a favorite pastime. When you went fishing with Philip you never came home empty-handed. You also learned how to be quiet and “set the hook” with the best of them.

He particularly enjoyed the family cabin on Lake Pokegama near Minong, where he could be dependably found rototilling, mowing, cleaning fish or chatting with his next-door neighbors: early-on with the Robergs and then, later, with the Kuensters. The cabin was also the setting for the annual “Lake Pokegama Cribbage Tournament of Champions,” brainchild of Dean Roberg and of which Philip was the first champion.

The Christ-like way Philip connected with others: kindly, honestly, compassionately, humorously, as well as his strong sense of loyalty and justice will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Philip is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; sons: Paul, (Duluth, MN) and Thomas, (Rouses Point, NY); grandchildren Kastle Birch and Massimo Birch; sister Tamara (Chris Dietz) Birch, Bisbee, AZ; brothers, Alan (Joan) Birch, Superior, and Douglas (Cindy) Birch, Andover, MN; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Katherine Birch, and brother Gregory Birch.

The family would like to thank St. Luke’s home hospice staff for the compassionate care they provided to Phil, especially Lily, Mandy, Donna, Becky, and Jennifer as well as Riley and all the kind respite volunteers.

Any memorials should be forwarded to the Cathedral School, 1419 Baxter Ave., Superior, WI, 54880.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 1111 Belknap Street in Superior, and continue with a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Most Rev. James P. Powers, Bishop of Superior as Priest-celebrant and Rev. Andrew Ricci as homilist. The burial will take place at St. Francis Cemetery following Mass. All are invited to a concluding luncheon served in Kress Hall.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.