Philip VanHollebeke

Philip Henry VanHollebeke, born November 14, 1937
in Detroit, Michigan to the late

Henry and Leona (Cleyman) VanHollebeke, has passed
away peacefully May 3, 2018 with his family by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years Janice (Klee) VanHollebeke,
daughter Rachelle (William) Pilarski, son Philip (Michelle) VanHollebeke,
and grandson Eric (Kristina) Pilarski,

He was also stepfather to John Nowak, Thomas Nowak, grandchildren
Michael Nowak, Andy (fiancé Ali Haselhuhn) Nowak, Alysa Nowak,
Hayley Nowak and Braden Nowak; great-grandchildren Cameron and
Claire Nowak.

Phil is also survived by his three siblings Jane (the late George) Forbes,
Edward (Susan) VanHollebeke and James (Pam) VanHollebeke and
multiple nieces and nephews.

Phil graduated from Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1956.
After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and attended boot
camp at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He remained in Active Reserves after
coming back to Michigan, and attended Wayne State University for two
years studying business finance while working at St. Paul Insurance
Company. He met his first wife Jeannine Strate, the mother of his
children, during this time and they were married in January 1959 then
moved into their first new home in Warren, MI. Phil soon moved into a
full time position at St. Paul as a commercial insurance underwriter, and
was later offered a travel agent position within the same company, Phil
moved his family to Traverse City, MI in September of 1967, as his sales
territory included all of the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower
Peninsula of Michigan. This position often provided him the opportunity
for visits to Rogers City, including stops at Presque Isle Agency, Inc. He
subsequently became partner of Presque Isle Agency in the summer 1971
and relocated to the Rogers City area the following October. In 1982, Phil
purchased the remaining interest in the Agency, and remained at the helm
until he retired in 2011 after almost 52 years in the insurance business.
While living in Rogers City, Phil was a member of the Chamber of
Commerce, Serviceman’s Club, and Treasurer of The Lions Club. He was
instrumental in building Rogers City Country Club and was one of the
original Board of Directors and also served as the Treasurer and President
for over 30 years, During that time, he provided steady leadership for
RCCC, and oversaw the purchase of an adjacent property, and the design
and construction of an additional 9 holes, Phil was known for helping
people in need whether they were family, friends or anyone who required
some business sense, a helping hand or moral support. Perhaps this is a
reason he chose insurance as his profession early in life. He enjoyed
watching all professional sports, especially the Detroit Tigers. He bowled
regularly in two Rogers City leagues and golfed every Wednesday at
RCCC in the men’s league. He was also very fond of his summers spent
relaxing at the cottage on Grand Lake that he shared with his wife Janice,

Memorial visitation will take place at the Beck Funeral Home on Tuesday,
May 8th from 3:00 till 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m,
Memorial visitation will resume on Wednesday at St. Ignatius Catholic
Church from 10:00 a.m, until time of his memorial mass at 11:00 a.m.
with Fr. James Fitzpatrick Officiating. Rogers City VFW Post 607 will
offer a military tribute immediately following mass.

In licu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the
Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Foundation or McLaren Homecare and
Hospice.