Philip V. Denfeld, Sr. 82, aka “Lucky”, of Brooksville, FL died December 22, 2017 at Kindred Hospital Central in Tampa, FL, surrounded by family and friends.

Philip was born October 26, 1935, in Wausau, WI. son of the late Raymond and Edna (Ferris) Denfeld. Philip enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and was stationed at Barksdale AFB where he met Grace Ruell of Worcester, MA. Grace, also serving in the Women’s Air Force at Barksdale AFB, accepted Philip’s proposal for marriage. The two were married December 1, 1956, amidst a full military alert. Philip served twenty years in the Air Force, retiring at Loring AFB, Maine in 1974 as Master Sergeant.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Philip attended Unity College majoring in psychology and business management. While attending college, he helped to run a close friend’s snowmobile sales and service shop in Caribou, ME. Philip loved nature and the outdoors. Providing for the simple necessities of life motivated him. In 1984, he and Grace moved from Caribou to Island Falls, ME. There they began an adventure of living in the woods. Taking up residence in one of the Sewall’s cabins at Hook Point on Lake Mattawamkeag, they purposed to live simply and honestly. With no roads, phones or local power they forged out a comfortable and peaceful life on the lake. Philip and Grace were sincerely endeared in the small community and in 1986 began to build a cabin of their own. Grace once stated that these were the most memorable three years of her life. Many were their lifelong friends and companions of Island Falls and Caribou, ME.

In 1987, having been away from home for 33 years, Philip and Grace moved to Tripoli, WI to be closer to Philip’s family. Philip loved to work with his hands and was quick to offer his help to those in need. He even helped design and build a home for his youngest brother Brian. The love he gave to his family was deep and genuine.

In 1994, Philip and Grace relocated to Florida to be closer to their children and grandchildren. The special moments and memories of their shared lives provide a true testament of a great man… so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
⁷ Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands. (Ps 78: 6, 7)

Philip was preceded in death by Grace on January 5, 2008, in Ocala, FL. He was also preceded in death by three of his siblings: Alan, Jerry and Judy, of WI.

Philip is survived by Athleen Crowell of Brooksville, FL, his significant other of 9 years. He is also survived by four children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Philipp V. & Tina Denfeld (Nicholas), Dean E. & Sharon Denfeld (Eric & Grace), Theresa Reynolds (John & Elizabeth), Katherine Lowery (Robert & Anthony Bryson), and Luke & Leia Bryson.

Philip is also survived by two brothers and a sister, Mike (Roxy) Denfeld, Brian (Barbara) Denfeld, and Sharon (Tom) Knoeck.

Philip will be laid to rest next to Grace Elizabeth Denfeld, his wife of 51 years, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.