Philip J. Muth

Philip J. Muth, 97, passed away on Wednesday, March, 17, 2021.  Philip was born on March 17, 1924 to Clarence and Gertude (Strehl) Muth, in LaCrosse.  He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and went to training to become a navigator, using celestial sextants to fly by the sun and stars.  Philip was part of the 451st Bomb Group based in Foggia, Italy.  They flew B-24 bombers all over Europe, one time landing in a field to deliver supplies to the French resistance.  On October 7, 1944 his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to parachute out at 25,000 feet and only three of the ten crew members survived.  Phil was taken prisoner and spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft 3 with a group of English POW’s, until he was liberated by General Patton.  After the war he returned to La Crosse for college. He married Joan Hyer on August 16, 1947, the girl he met in his freshman English class, and they spent 71 years together until she passed away in 2018.  They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Australia, New Zealand and Germany.  Phil taught Jr high Science in Wisconsin Rapids.  He was active in ex-POW and veterans advocacy groups

Phil is survived by his children; Mark (Ellen) Muth, Pam (Jer) Sanderfoot, grandsons; Phil (De Ann) Muth, Matthew Muth, great grandchildren; Carter and Mara Muth, step grandchildren; Lisa Sanderfoot, and Amy (Kevin) Carstens, step great grandchildren Anna and Erik Carstens, brother-in-law, Norman (Carol) Hyer, sister-in-law Shirley Hyer, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

The memorial service for Phil will be held on April 17, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the VERKUILEN VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr., Kaukauna.  A time of visitation held on April 17 from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.  The funeral will be livestreamed at the Verkuilen Van Deurzen Funeral home facebook page.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.verkuilenfh.com. 

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