Philip B. Schaub

On May 9th, 2017 heaven gained a favorite son, Philip Bernard Schaub. Phil passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on the family farm January 31st, 1935, in Centerville Township, Leelanau County, Michigan. He was raised in a large family, which included ten children. In his late teens, Phil moved from the farm, to the Flint area where he took a job at General Motors. Before leaving for Flint, Phil met and fell in love with his favorite girl, Carol Spoor, and on September 18th, 1954 they were married at St. Michaels Church in Flint. They were blessed with two children, son Phillip (Sonny) and daughter Phyllis (Sissy).
In 1956, Phil and Carol moved their family to Traverse City. There Phil would take a job at Tannehill and DeYoung and eventually, at Coca-Cola, where he retired after more than 20 years of service. Phil and Carol thoroughly enjoyed retirement up until Carol became stricken with cancer. Phil lovingly cared for her until she passed away in 2007.
While at Coca-Cola Phil worked alongside his son, and after retirement, he would again work with his son (and granddaughter Katy) on their family owned sales delivery route.
Phil's spunk and quick wit endeared him to everyone he met. He acquired the nickname "Pa" and it would follow him throughout his life. When in his company, it just felt like you were with your "Pa".
Pa will forever be remembered for his love of hunting, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, a blazing fire, gardening, NASCAR, chili dogs, Bud Light and his famous line of "That' a bugger". He was the king of Euchre and he never passed up an opportunity to visit the casino, especially with his favorite gambling partner daughter Sissy. Pa had a cabin in the woods which was a favorite gathering place. Family could be found there enjoying a cookout, or on most holidays, sharing a meal and the warmth of the woodstove. When the temperature in the cabin hit over 100 degrees Pa thought that was "just comfy". There was always a steady stream of friends stopping by to share a card game, a cold beer or a good story by one of his notorious bonfires. Phil's love for gardening was evident every fall when the pumpkins he grew decorated the altar of St. Francis Church, where he and Carol were members for over 50 years. He and his son in law Frank competed each year to see who could grow the best tomatoes.
Philip is survived by his children Sonny (Karen) Schaub, Sissy (Frank) Rokos, grandchildren Theresa Schaub, Kristen (Paul) Roell, Katy Schaub, Matthew (Jessica) Rokos, Frank (Amber) Rokos, Jackie (Paul) Orth; great grandchildren Carson, Drew, Carissa, Camden and Brenden Rokos, Brady and Morgan Orth and Abigail Roell; siblings Eva Blohm, Jim (Wilma) Schaub, Jenny (John) McAulay, Bernard (Betty) Schaub Mary (Melvin) Schaub, David Schaub, Elizabeth McNeil, sister-in-law Ellie Schaub; and his kitty Meow.
Phil will be welcomed to heaven by his wife Carol, parents Paul and Helen, brothers Fredrick and Norman, infant grandson Joseph Phillip Schaub and beloved doggie Yooper.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent care Pa received from Grand Traverse Pavilions, Birchwood Health Center and Munson Hospital.
Friends are welcome to visit with Philip's family on Thursday, May 11, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visiting one hour prior on Friday, May 12, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Rev. Fr. Kenneth Stachnik will officiate. Committal will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Philip's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.