Philip J. Coppersmith

Philip J. Coppersmith, 81, Denmark, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2013 at a local hospital. He was born May 1, 1932 in Algoma, son of Vital and Bernice (Greenwood) Coppersmith. He graduated from Algoma High School and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Stella Englebert and she preceded him in death. Philip married Jeanette Kassner and together had six children. He later married Karen Costello February 14, 1990. Phil’s greatest gift was visiting with anyone and everyone. He also loved his little dog, Cleo, and Polka music. Phil worked at Casco Cheese after coming home from the service. He then worked as a field man for Passini Cheese in Plymouth, WI followed by being field man for S R Cheese in Plymouth, WI. He ran the Plymouth Cab Company and a restaurant at the Curtis Hotel, in Plymouth. He founded Filippo and Sons Trucking in Plymouth, WI in 1966. He also drove coach bus and school bus for many years until his retirement in 2010. Phil was a life member of the American Legion, a life member of the VFW, and 40/8. Phil also served as State Sergeant at Arms from 1979 – 1982 in the American Legion. Phil was very patriotic; and devoted to his county and respectful of the American flag. He was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club in Plymouth and an active member of the Cheese Derby Days in Plymouth. He is survived by his mother, Bernice, Waupaca; wife, Karen, Denmark; former wife, Jeanette Coppersmith, Plymouth. Six children: Cathy (Chuck) Lee, Port Washington and their children, Ryan (Katie) Lee and son, Michael; Rob (Amy) Lee and their children, Everett and Jackson; Paul Coppersmith, Plymouth and his daughter, Ashley, and her daughter, Madison: Ann (Brian) Hellmer, Cascade; David (Roberta) Coppersmith, Plymouth and daughters, Alisha and Brittany; Steve (Erin) Coppersmith, Plymouth and their children, Hannah, Joe, and Katie; and Philip Coppersmith, Plymouth; Karen’s sons: Frank (Amy) Hermans, Brillion and their children, Joshua Mahlik, Austin, Blake, Katrina, Harrison, and Jack, and Darrien; Michael (Mary) Hermans Denmark and their children, Sarah Wyckoff and her sons, Brandon Wyckoff and Brody Gehrke; Michaela (Scott) Vincent, Denmark and their children: Gavin, Jake, and Caleb; Michael Jr.; Heath Hermans and his children, Karina, Heath Jr., and Dalton; brothers and sisters: Lloyd (Diane) Coppersmith, Waupaca; Cleo (Giles) Bellin, Waupaca; and Donna (Ron) Thome, Green Bay; and sister-in law, Kary Coppersmith, Green Bay. Phil is also survived by brother-in-laws: James (Cindy) Costello, De Pere; Bob (Judy) Costello, De Pere; Charles (Betty) Costello, West Plains, MO and sister-in-laws: Christine (Patrick) Gaulke, Green Bay; Cynthia (Mike) O’Keefe, Green Bay; Catherine (Jim) Konop, Little Sturgeon; and Diane Costello, Wrightstown; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Vital; first wife, Stella; and their two infant children, brother, Donald and brother-in-law, John Costello. Family and friends may call Friday, November 8, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Knutson-Cotter Funeral Home, 536 Cty R, Denmark, where there will be a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark, with Fr. Ron Colombo officiating. Full military honors will follow the Mass. Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Door County.