Phillip Allen McCaleb's Obituary
Phillip “Phil” Allen McCaleb, 62, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died July 15, 2022, at Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming, Michigan, after a ten-year battle with heart ailments.
Phil was born on July 25, 1959, in Fremont, Michigan, to Rev. Woodrow and Lois McCaleb. Phil attended grade school in Elyria, Ohio, and graduated in 1977 from Quincy Senior High School in Quincy, Illinois, where he was active in intramural sports. Phil studied at Quincy College (now, Quincy University), and took a bachelor of arts degree in history at Grand Rapids Baptist College (now, Cornerstone University) in 1982, where he founded the college’s ice hockey club. He also took a bachelor of science degree in education at Calvin College (now, Calvin University) in 1983.
Phil married Karen Balser in 1985 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they had one child, Jon McCaleb.
Phil pursued his professional career first in industrial bakery operations at International Brands, and then in high-temperature dairy operations at Schreiber Foods, until he retired for medical reasons in 2013.
Phil enjoyed playing ice hockey in amateur leagues for over 20 years and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Phil is survived by his former wife, Karen Balser Matheis (Mark), of Saranac, Michigan, and his son, Jon McCaleb, of Wyoming, Michigan. Phil is also survived by his sisters, Susan Dean (David), of Round Rock, Texas, and Carol Postma (Tom), of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his brother, Doug McCaleb (Colette Kirby), of Morris, Illinois; his nephew, Matthew Dean, of Round Rock, Texas; and lifelong friends, Ben Balbach and Ted Moss, both of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial gathering and light luncheon will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 12558 Sand Beach Drive, Grant, MI 49327.
Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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