Phillip R. Cappert

Phillip R. Cappert, 81, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2012, following a long illness.

Phil was born March 9, 1931 in South Bend, the only son of the late Phillip and Rachel (VerVynckt) Cappert. He grew up in South Bend and was a 1949 graduate of John Adams High School. Phil graduated in 1955 from the Studebaker/Packard Corporation Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program and in 1960 from the Hydraulic Engineering Course at Illinois Institute of Technology.

Phil married Anne Yanko on March 31, 1951 in Our Lady of Hungary Church in South Bend. The couple lived in South Bend until moving to Mishawaka in 1977.

Phil retired from Herrman & Goetz Services in 1996 where he was a Mechanical Estimator and a Project Manager. He was a Past President of the Northern Indiana Chapter of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers and was a retired member of Plumber & Pipefitters Local #172.

Phil belonged to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. He possessed a great sense of humor, loved crossword puzzles and was a Notre Dame football fan. Phil will be truly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Phil’s surviving family includes his wife of 61years, Anne; three children, Thomas P. Cappert of South Bend, Gerald P. (Sheryl) Cappert of Middlebury and Janis C. (John) Obiala of Glenview, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Jeffery Cappert, James Cappert, Jason Cappert, Stephanie Shipley, John Obiala, Matthew Obiala and Charles Obiala; and eight great grandchildren.

Phil was preceded in death by two sisters, Lorraine Fodness and Mary Buckingham.

Friends may spend time with Phil’s family Tuesday, June 5, from 5 - 8 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 6, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Phil’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County or St. Joseph Church. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.