Philip H. Vangsnes

PORTAGE – Philip H. Vangsnes, age 90, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at Tivoli in Portage.

Philip was born on June 13, 1926, in Greenwood Wisconsin, the son of George and Cora (Johnson) Vangsnes. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII in Southeast Asia. Philip graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Agronomy. He married Bette Wetmore on November 7, 1953. He worked in Agriculture his entire career, first for Oconomowoc Canning Company Co. and later for Rogers Bros. Seed Co. Philip was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He served his community as a fireman, and past Village President. He had attended Dekorra Lutheran Church in Poynette and was an avid outdoorsman and birder. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking projects. He excelled at telling stories most of which you could believe.

Philip is survived by his children, Philip Charles (Cindy) Vangsnes, of Suamico, Barbara Marian (Andy Waller) Flaherty, of DeForest, and Steven Douglas (Denise) Vangsnes, of Greenfield; his grandchildren, Katie Melissa (Luis Mendoza) Vangsnes, Erin Nicole Vangsnes, Adrianne Miran (Matt Sheridan) Roth, Lucas Mark Roth, and Ashley Zimmerman (Dan Bruce); his great-grandchildren, Luka Octavio Mendoza, Mauro Andre Galik, Addison Jo Sheridan, Kellan Lucas Sheridan, Callahan O’Brien Bruce, and Genevieve Ada-Mae Bruce, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Bette.  

Visitation will be held at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage on Saturday, January 28, 2017, from 10:30 until noon. A short memorial service will follow with Rev. Ryan Rouse officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard. Inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

UW Carbone Cancer Center
Attn. Katie Williquette
600 Highland Ave., K4/658
Madison, WI  53792-6164
uwhealth.org/donateuwccc

Friends of MacKenzie Environmental Center
W7303 County Hwy CS & Q
Poynette, WI  53955
friendsofmackenzie.org

The family would like to thank the team of caregivers and staff at Tivoli Assisted Living and all those that have supported Phil and his family.