A native of Heckenbach, Rheinland, Germany, he was born March 22, 1881. The son of Matthias and Christine (Brust, Miller) Philippi immigrated with his family first to BNew Frankin, Browm County in 1883, then to Oconto County at the age fo 12, in 1893. He worked in the logging as a young men, ran a sawmill, and then farmed the family homestead in the Town of How most of his entire lifetime. His first wife was Joanna Neuwisen whom he married in DePere on June 5th, 1907. She died in 1908. They had no children. In 1909 Joseph married the former Barbara Weber, who died in 1931.
He was a member of the Holy Name Society at At. Michael's Catholic Church in Suring. Joeseph also was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Survivors include two daughters, Anna Belle Colson of Marinette and Mary Chisholm of Milwaukee; a step-daughter, Eunice Buchburger of Winnebago; four sons, Martin of New Holstein, Joseph of Manitowoc, Marion of California and Roland of Suring.
Also surviving are a brother, Phil (Peter) of Wausau; a half-brother, John Miller of California; a sister, Mrs. Joe (Christine) Holl of Suring; 29 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Soulek Funeral Home at Suring where the Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Church with the Rev. Leander Nickel officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery in Town of How.