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Philip M. Savides, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh. He was born October 2, 1920 in Hillsboro, North Dakota the son of Rev. Youvan and Ethel Savides.

Phil grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and graduated from Racine Park High School. While at Carroll College in Waukesha, he fell in love with flying and obtained his private pilot's license. World War II interrupted his collegiate career when Phil joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. He became a fighter pilot in the 50th Fighter Group's 313th Fighter Squadron flying missions out of England, France and Germany. Phil flew 101 missions from 1943 -1945 as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot achieving numerous honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Following his military service, Phil returned to Carroll College to complete his degree. After college while working as an employee of the Social Security Administration in Madison, Phil met Elizabeth Sprecher. Liz became his soul mate and on April 24th, 1954 they were married in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Together they enjoyed 53 years of marriage and raised two children. Phil's job with Social Security briefly took them to Terre Haute, Indiana, but most of his Social Security career was spent in Oshkosh. He retired in 1985.

Phil became an avid sailor and iceboater while living in Oshkosh. In addition he enjoyed gardening with Liz, and woodworking. Winter visitors were often offered a bone-chilling ride on one of the family iceboats, two that Phil built. Any warm weather gathering of family or friends was sure to include an invitation to play a game of croquet, often using one of the handcrafted sets he made from homegrown wood. For many years Phil and Liz did volunteer work for the Red Cross and delivered Meals-on-Wheels.

Phil always looked forward to the annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association that comes to Oshkosh each summer. For many years Phil and Liz enjoyed hosting convention visitors from all over the world in their home. He was pleased to be asked last year to be a speaker during one of the EAA convention events.

In addition to Liz, Phil is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Jane Savides of Appleton, and his three beloved grandchildren, David (fiancee, Angela Plamann), Michael and Nicole, all of Appleton. He is further survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Earl Brown of Tampa, Florida, a brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Jim and Katie Savides of Eau Claire, a sister-in-law, Ginny Savides of Morton, Illinois and many nieces, nephews and good friends. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Theodore and Harold Savides, and his daughter, Linda.

A memorial service will be held for Phil on Sunday, April 15th at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Oshkosh, 700 West Linwood. Visitation will be at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. A memorial is being established in Phil's name.

Phil's family is thankful for the loving care he received from the caregivers at Evergreen Retirement Community, and from Dr. William Weber, Dr. Edward Lake and their staffs.

Condolences may also be shared online at www.seefeldfuneral.com.

Seefeld Funeral and

Cremation Services

(920) 236-7750


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